Couple Die in Santa Barbara Accident on Hwy. 154
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. A two-vehicle accident along Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County claimed the lives of two people on May 15. An officer with the California Highway patrol said that whether the use of alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash is unknown at this time. My sympathy goes to those who were killed and their family.
What Happened
The crash occurred along San Marcos Pass near Painted Cave Road in the Highway 154 lanes heading westbound just after 2:30 in the afternoon. A Honda was driving east when the vehicle went out of control, crossed into the opposing lane and struck a Dodge pickup on its passenger side. Both occupants of the Honda were killed at the accident scene. The coroner’s office of the sheriff’s department for Santa Barbara County was present at the site of the accident. An official of the CHP reported that names have not been released while the victims are identified and family is notified.
Injuries to Occupants of Other Vehicle
Both the male 54-year-old driver of the Dodge and his 62-year-old passenger from Canyon Lake received moderate injuries from the collision. They were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Santa Barbara for treatment. No further information on the condition of the injured is available at this time.
Aftermath of the Accident
According to the CHP, the accident caused major backups in the traffic along Highway 154 following the crash. The closure was extended to the lanes heading westbound while authorities investigated. It reopened after 5:00 p.m..
Factors That Can Lead to an Accident
There are common factors that lead to an accident, the primary one being some form of driver error. This can include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, speeding or other types of reckless driving or being overly tired. Manufacturer defects in a motor vehicle and roadway problems such as ice or objects in the road can also contribute to a crash. When accidents of this type cause the death of an individual due to the negligent actions of another, it can result in a wrongful death.
California Wrongful Death Laws
Under California wrongful death laws, a spouse, domestic partner, the deceased’s children, stepchildren as long as they lived with the person and any other minor who received half their support from the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney experienced in wrongful death can assist in recovering fair compensation for a bereaved family’s loss.
Attorney Ed Smith
Santa Barbara Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. Accidents happen when you least expect them. You don’t have to go at it alone. If you have been injured in a crash, or someone you love has passed away in one, please call me today at (805) 372-0200 or at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
As a California member of Million Dollar Advocates, I belong to a forum of trial attorneys who have obtained million and multimillion dollar settlements and verdicts for their clients. See some of them on this page: previous verdicts and settlements.
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Photo Attribution: highway-1666635_1920.jpg
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