Seaside, CA (September 22, 2024) – A tragic accident late Sunday night in Seaside claimed the lives of two people in what police believe was a case of drunk driving.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Del Monte Boulevard when a car, reportedly speeding at 100 mph, veered off the road and struck 40-year-old Daniel Carrico-Lynn, a homeless man eating pizza in the median near Fremont Boulevard. The car then crashed through a raised partition, rolled over, and stopped near Military Avenue.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 19-year-old Leon Torres of Watsonville, was ejected from the car and died at the scene. Police confirmed that Torres was driving with a suspended license and was on DUI probation at the time of the crash. The four passengers in the car, who had also been drinking, survived the accident.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Speeding: The driver, Leon Torres, was speeding at around 100 mph, well above the legal limit. Speeding is a clear violation of traffic laws and is often considered negligent driving. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances. By driving recklessly at such a high speed, Torres significantly increased the risk of causing harm to others, making him potentially liable for the accident.
Suspended License: In addition to speeding, Torres was also driving with a suspended license and was on DUI probation. Operating a vehicle with a suspended license is illegal and demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety.
Wrongful Death Claim: The family of Daniel Carrico-Lynn may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against Torres’ estate for damages caused by his reckless actions. They may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses and damages for the emotional distress of losing a loved one.
I extend my deepest condolences to both victims’ families and friends during this understandably difficult time.
Source: KSBW