Monterey County, CA (November 8, 2024) – A tragic two-vehicle accident near Marina has left one person dead and another severely injured.
Accident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred on Blanco Road when an INFINITI Jeep 35, reportedly traveling at an “extremely high rate of speed,” veered off the road for unknown reasons. The vehicle then collided with a parked utility truck on Research Drive. At the time, the utility truck driver was working on a nearby pole from a cherry picker.
The driver of the INFINITI, identified as 20-year-old Alexis Sierra Samaniego from Salinas, was pronounced dead at the scene. The utility truck driver sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. CHP reports that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Behavior: Investigators will look to see if the driver was impaired, distracted, or driving recklessly.
- Mechanical Failure: The INFINITI Jeep should be inspected to determine whether a mechanical failure or defect caused Samaniego to lose control of the vehicle.
- Road Conditions: The state of Blanco Road and Research Drive should also be examined to determine if a road defect caused the crash. If so, the municipality charged with maintaining the roads may be liable.
- Utility Worker: Did the utility worker put warning lights or a sign warning drivers they were working in the area?
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims: Samaniego’s family may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim if it’s found that an external factor contributed to the crash. They may be able to recover funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. The injured worker may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim, potentially including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Comparative Negligence: If Samaniego or the utility worker are found to be partially responsible for the accident, the claims would not necessarily be precluded. Instead, they would be adjusted based on their fault following California’s comparative negligence laws.
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Alexis Sierra Samaniego during this difficult time. I also extend my hopes for a full recovery to the injured utility worker.