Around 1:30 pm on Friday, August 2nd, a head-on collision occurred between an SUV and a sedan on Carroll Road in Sorrento Valley. The wreck involved a Toyota 4Runner SUV and a Toyota Model 86 sedan.
The collision occurred when the sedan, traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control and drifted over the double yellow lines, hitting the SUV head-on. The occupants of the SUV were part of a funeral procession on their way to the cemetery.
In total, six people were involved in the crash, five in the SUV and the driver of the sedan. All survived the head-on collision, however, two were seriously hurt. All six were hospitalized.
According to police, the driver of the sedan broke both legs, his pelvis, and his left arm. The 4Runner’s driver broke his spine, left ankle, and sternum. The passenger in the SUV broke his spine and sustained internal bleeding. Another SUV passenger suffered broken ribs and internal bleeding.
Four of the victims were transported to Scripps La Jolla, while the other two were sent to Sharp Memorial. None of the injuries are thought to be life-threatening at this point.
Police’s initial investigation indicates that speed may have played a role in the collision. An update from police later in the day indicated they determined that driving under the influence of drugs was a factor in the incident.
According to data collected by the California Office to Traffic Safety, head-on collisions are the second most common collision types when a drugged driver is involved.
“We are relieved to learn that all six people involved in this accident survived and did not sustain any life threatening injuries,” says Brett Schreiber, partner of Singleton Schreiber, “Though, they may have a long road to recovery ahead of them, they may be eligible to file personal injury claims for compensation to help them heal. Victims could consider contacting a personal injury attorney to learn more about their options.”
The victims injured by the drugged driver may be able to file for compensation to help them receive the care and treatment they need to recover. Compensation they may be able to obtain may cover:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills and treatment
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In some cases ,the court may even award punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from acting in similar ways. The court tends to award punitive damages when the wrongdoer’s actions were particularly egregious.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. To learn more call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.