Santa Maria, CA (August 1, 2024) – On Thursday morning, August 1, 2024, a devastating crash occurred at the intersection of Stowell and Bradley Roads in Santa Maria, California, resulting in the deaths of two residents and injuries to another. According to the Santa Maria Police Department, the deceased victims have been identified as Randall Richard Kern and Marichu Polancos Kern.
Accident Details: The collision took place around 9:15 a.m. Thursday. A 20-year-old Santa Maria resident driving east on Stowell Road struck the Kerns’ SUV. The impact resulted in both Randall Richard and Marichu Polancos Kern being transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. The fact that the 20-year-old driver ran a red light indicates an apparent traffic violation. Running a red light in California is considered negligent behavior that could establish liability. The focus will be on determining if this violation was the primary cause of the accident.
Randall Richard and Marichu Polancos Kern’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against the driver who ran the red light. This legal action could seek compensation for the tragic loss and the impact on their surviving family members.
My deepest condolences go out to the Kern family during this difficult time. The loss of loved ones in such sudden and tragic circumstances is profoundly heart-wrenching.
Source: Santa Maria Times; Noozhawk