St. Helena Man Killed During Lake County Accident
A St. Helena man tragically lost his life during a Lake County car accident that took place on Friday, September 4, 2020. Clearlake area California Highway Patrol officers (CHP) indicated that the crash involved two vehicles and that one of the involved drivers was placed under arrest on DUI charges related to the incident. While authorities reported that the decedent was a 74-year-old St. Helena resident, his name has not yet been released.
Crash Information
According to reports from CHP, the accident happened in the morning at around 7:20 a.m. A 43-year-old man from the community of Clearlake Oaks was driving in a 2020 model Kia Optima heading north on Highway 29. The Kia had just passed Grange Road near Clearlake and was traveling at a reported speed of around 55 miles per hour when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle began to drift to the left.
Eventually, the Optima crossed over the highway median and entered southbound traffic. As a result, the Optima crashed head-on into a Chevrolet Prizm, causing extreme damage to both vehicles. According to police, both cars came to a rest inside of southbound lanes.
Response
After receiving a phone call reporting the incident, CHP dispatchers rushed response teams out to the site. When they reached the area, emergency officials found that both drivers had been seriously hurt. The elderly driver of the Prizm was tragically declared deceased at the location.
The Clearlake Oaks man was placed on an ambulance and driven to the Adventist Health Hospital to receive medical care. Before being released into hospital custody, the individual was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of prescription medicine as well as Cannabis. Additionally, police indicated that both parties were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
The Impact of Fatal Accidents
A fatal car accident can be devastating. People who suddenly lose a loved one in a preventable accident often go through an intense period of grief. In the period following the accident, grieving individuals may feel a mixture of intense confusion, anger, depression, anxiety, and even shock. Dealing with this grief can take a long time, and many people feel unable to keep up with their normal responsibilities while coping with their pain.
However, losing someone can also have a major financial impact. In many cases, families are left without a source of income and/or valuable household services like childcare. Additionally, funeral and burial costs can be very high. Fortunately, it’s possible for families to recover compensation for these losses through wrongful death claims. The payments available through such claims can cover economic losses as well as more personal damages like loss of companionship or parental guidance.
Still, wrongful death cases can be very complex and liable groups and/or individuals may try to defend themselves from financial responsibility. To ensure your family receives fair payments, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as you possibly can.
Other Blogs by Ed A. Smith, St. Helena Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Deadly St. Helena Accident
- What is a St. Helena Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Local Car Accident Hospitalizes St. Helena Resident
St. Helena Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a St. Helena wrongful death lawyer. Families affected by deadly accidents deserve help. If a crash has cost you someone you love, please call me at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 and speak with me to get my free, friendly case advice.
For 38 years, I’ve helped St. Helena residents and people in other Northern CA cities recover fair compensation after wrongful death accidents. Learn about my practice by reviewing my trial verdicts and settlements or by reading client reviews on:
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