Salinas, CA (July 22, 2024) – On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a tragic accident occurred on Highway 101 south of Laurel Drive in Salinas, California, resulting in the death of 77-year-old Virginio Cortez.
Accident Details: Cortez, a Salinas resident, was changing a tire on his Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck on the highway’s right shoulder. A Nissan Altima was parked in front of the pickup, and a 38-year-old Salinas woman was also standing nearby. At the same time, an Acura, driven by 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. of Salinas, was traveling southbound in the number 2 lane. Sanchez swerved off the road and side-swiped the Salinas woman. Then he hit Cortez. The Acura continued its path and crashed into the pickup truck. The force of the collision pushed the pickup into the rear of the Nissan Altima, causing the truck to overturn. The Acura then spun out and collided with a Honda Pilot driven by a 29-year-old man from Soledad. Fortunately, no injuries were reported for the Honda’s occupants.
Investigation: All parties involved in the crash remained at the scene. Cortez died at the scene. The Salinas woman was transported to a hospital with major injuries. Sanchez was also taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Later, Sanchez was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this tragic incident raises several important legal questions and highlights the need for a thorough investigation to determine liability. The main focus is whether Snachez was impaired. Driving under the influence is serious and can lead to implications of negligence with both criminal and civil consequences. Other key focus areas include the highway conditions and whether any vehicles involved had mechanical issues or defects. Depending on the outcome, Cortez’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. The injured may be able to file a personal injury claim.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Virginio Cortez during this difficult time. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Source: KSBW