Orange Cove, CA (October 16, 2024) – A tragic accident on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, claimed the life of Alma Diaz near Orange Cove.
Accident Details: Diaz was driving to pick up her 6-year-old daughter from her parents’ home when the collision occurred on Hills Valley Road and Parlier Avenue. A Toyota attempted to pass another vehicle and collided head-on with Diaz’s pickup truck. Following the initial impact, Diaz’s car was t-boned by another pickup truck. Sadly, Diaz was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several factors should be examined to determine if negligence was the cause of the accident.
Toyota Driver’s Actions: The Toyota driver’s actions—crossing into oncoming traffic while attempting a pass—raise significant legal questions. The critical factors in determining negligence will be whether the Toyota driver was impaired, distracted, or intoxicated and whether they were following traffic rules and driving safely. Passing without adequate visibility or failing to gauge oncoming traffic could be considered reckless driving and a breach of their duty to drive responsibly.
If the Toyota driver is found to have violated traffic laws, such as by making an unsafe pass or failing to yield, they could be liable for the accident. Their actions directly caused the initial collision with Alma Diaz’s truck, leading to the chain of events that resulted in her death.
Second Crash: Additionally, the role of the second pickup truck driver, who t-boned Diaz’s vehicle after the initial crash, will also be examined. Investigators will assess whether the second driver had an opportunity to avoid the collision or acted in a way that contributed to the accident’s severity. Speed, reaction time, and adherence to traffic rules will be crucial in determining whether they share any responsibility.
Negligence and Wrongful Death: If the investigation concludes that negligence on the part of either or both drivers contributed to the accident, Alma Diaz’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This claim would allow them to seek compensation for the devastating loss of Diaz, including funeral expenses and emotional distress.
Alma Diaz’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss for her family and the community. My deepest sympathies go out to her daughter, family, and friends during this time of immense grief. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support her daughter in the wake of this tragedy.
Source: ABC 30