Monterey County, CA (October 6, 2024) – A tragic head-on collision on Sunday, October 6, 2024, claimed the life of 81-year-old Arthur Loring Schoenstadt of Salinas.
Accident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident occurred around 5:05 p.m. on Reservation Road, just south of East Garrison Drive. An Acura crossed into the northbound lane and collided with Schoenstadt’s Toyota. Schoenstadt, the sole occupant of the Toyota, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Acura, identified as Gerardo Araujo, was transported to Natividad Medical Center with injuries of unknown severity.
Investigation: Investigators suspect that Araujo may have been driving under the influence at the time of the collision. Once he is released from the hospital, he is expected to be booked for DUI at the Monterey County Jail.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Driving While Impaired: Driving impaired impairs judgment and reaction times, which may have caused Araujo to veer into the opposite lane. This act breaches a driver’s duty to drive safely. Should an investigation confirm that intoxication directly contributed to this head-on crash, Araujo could be found negligent for causing Schoenstadt’s death.
Crossing Lanes: A second area of legal scrutiny involves Araujo’s vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic. Even if intoxication is not conclusively proven, crossing into the wrong lane presents another potential basis for negligence. Failing to remain in one’s designated lane of travel can be a violation of traffic laws and could point to driver error or recklessness. Further investigators should determine why Araujo crossed the northbound lane and whether other factors, such as speeding or distraction, played a role.
Wrongful Death Claim: If the investigation finds that Araujo’s actions—either due to DUI or reckless driving—caused Schoenstadt’s death, his family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death claim could seek compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional toll on the family.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Arthur Loring Schoenstadt during this difficult time.
Source: KSBW