Ventura County, CA (October 27, 2024) – Two Simi Valley residents, 33-year-old Brianna Parrales and 54-year-old Morris Proudfoot, tragically lost their lives following a series of related collisions early Sunday morning on Highway 118.
Accident Details: The fatal incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on the westbound lanes west of Rocky Peak Road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Parrales had been driving her 2020 Nissan Altima westbound when she lost control, initially colliding with a guardrail. The impact propelled her vehicle across the westbound lanes, hitting the center median. After exiting her vehicle, Proudfoot, traveling westbound on a 2020 Triumph Thruxton motorcycle, struck Parrales in the roadway. The collision ejected Proudfoot from his motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries for both individuals. CHP officers arrived on the scene. Officials have not yet determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Investigators will likely assess the following:
- Driver Behavior: It is crucial to understand what led Parrales to lose control of her vehicle. Investigators will seek to determine if distracted driving, excessive speed, or an evasive maneuver may have contributed to her initial crash with the guardrail. Proudfoot’s response to Parrales standing in the roadway will also be scrutinized to understand if he could avoid the collision.
- Road Conditions: Investigators will evaluate the highway’s surface conditions, signage, and lighting to determine whether any road conditions contributed to Parrales’ loss of control or affected Proudfoot’s ability to avoid her.
- Mechanical Failure: Investigators should examine the Altima and the Triumph motorcycle for potential mechanical defects or malfunctions, such as tire or brake failure. Any mechanical issues could have reduced each driver’s ability to control their vehicle, potentially influencing the outcome of the incident.
Wrongful Death Considerations: If evidence reveals negligence contributed to this tragic accident, the families of both Parrales and Proudfoot may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Such claims can offer a means of financial support to grieving families as they cope with their loss, as well as hold any responsible parties accountable. If either Parrales or Proudfoot are found to be partially responsible for the accident, their families may still be able to recover compensation based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends of Brianna Parrales and Morris Proudfoot during this difficult time.
Source: Ventura County Star