Car accident victim described as teen with bright future

A California high school senior was the only passenger in a recent fatal crash that police are still investigating. The single-vehicle car accident left the teen dead and the driver injured, although the exact cause of the wreck is still not entirely clear. Police suspect that alcohol might have played some type of role.

The 18-year-old student was apparently the front-seat passenger in the vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man. Police believe that the driver was traveling somewhere between 50 and 60 mph just prior to the wreck. For reasons that are still unclear, the driver veered off of the road and struck the guardrail of a bridge. The vehicle then continued on for around 40 more feet before plummeting off of the side of the bridge. It ultimately landed on its roof.

Emergency responders determined that the high school senior died while still at the accident scene. The driver managed to survive the fatal wreck, but he suffered what were described as major injuries and had to be taken to an area hospital for treatment. Alcohol was detected on the driver, and police also reportedly found alcohol inside of the vehicle, although they did not disclose whether it was open or closed.

The teen’s family and friends have spoken out in light of her recent death, noting that the girl had plans to attend a university after obtaining her high school diploma. While nothing can truly begin to replace the life of a young teen whose life was cut short, surviving family members must still contend with the related financial damages of the car accident. In many instances, California families are instrumental in achieving just compensation on behalf of their lost loved ones through the successful handling of wrongful death claims.

Source: Watsonville, CA Patch, “Victim, 18, Of Suspected-DUI Crash Identified; Driver Still Hospitalized“, Norcal Patch, Aug. 10, 2016