Fatalities Reported in Orange Avenue Intersection Two-Vehicle Crash
A two-vehicle crash on March 6 in a rural area of Stanislaus County caused three fatalities and two injuries. The Modesto Office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a call came in about the accident at about 2:20 p.m. near the intersection of Orange and Elm avenues, which is near Patterson. Upon arrival, they discovered a Dodge Ram pickup and a Dodge SUV, both with major damage.
Driver Went Through a Stop Sign and Crashed Into Another Vehicle
The SUV was lying on its side and carried three occupants, all of whom died. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedents as a couple with an adult son: 26-year-old Jesus Vega-Cruz, 56-year-old Armando Vega, and 58-year-old Maria Cruz Alvarez, all Patterson residents. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to assist with burial costs.
The occupants of the Ram pickup, a male and female, both aged 20, were transported to Doctors Medical Center with injuries. An investigation into the accident reported that the pickup was going east along Orange Avenue and passed through a stop sign into the SUV’s path, which was going south along Elm Avenue.
Accident Being Investigated
The pickup was struck in its driver’s side by the SUV in the two-vehicle crash, causing both vehicles to exit the roadway. It is unknown at this time whether those involved in the crash were using seat restraints or if alcohol or drug consumption was a factor.
T-Bone Accidents at Intersections in a Two-Vehicle Crash
Intersections can be especially dangerous for broadside accidents. A vehicle that crashes on its side concentrates the impact between colliding cars. This can cause severe structural damage to one or both vehicles, and may severely injure the occupants. A T-bone crash at an intersection can be especially dangerous because there is often a wide variety of angles and speeds among the traffic on all sides.
Increased Risk of Serious Injuries and Fatalities
In T-bone accidents at intersections, drivers often reach higher speeds when traveling through the area. Additionally, one or both drivers may have been distracted and not properly anticipating traffic from a different direction. The force of a T-bone collision can cause serious injuries to occupants in both vehicles.
Recovering Compensation After a Two-Vehicle Crash
In a two-vehicle crash caused by a negligent motorist, those who were injured or lost a loved one have the right to recover damages. An injured person may recover the cost of their medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for their pain and suffering. For those whose family member died, they may obtain the following compensation by filing a wrongful death claim:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The wages the decedent would have earned before their retirement age as well as insurance, pension and other benefits
- The surviving spouse may recover compensation for their loss of consortium, the love and assistance the decedent provided
- The family’s children may recover compensation for their loss of nurturing and guidance
- The family may also recover the loss of household assistance the decedent provided
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Modesto personal injury lawyer. The consequences of traffic accidents can be devastating to the injured party or grieving family. Compensation may be available if negligence is involved. Get free and friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 from our accident attorneys to determine whether you have a claim and what damages you may be entitled to. Our online contact form is also available for your convenience.
AutoAccident.com’s injury lawyers have helped many injured people receive compensation for their injuries. Below are a few examples:
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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