A fatal accident on the Ortega highway east of San Juan Capistrano claimed the life of 77 year old Murieta woman. A Mazda in the westbound lane of the Ortega Highway veered into oncoming traffic at 8:22 PM resulting in a head-on collision with a Honda in the eastbound lane. The Honda driver and passenger were in their 70’s, the driver of the Mazda is 38. All three were seriously injured and transported from the scene to Mission Hospital, where the 77 year old succumbed to her injuries. California Highway Patrol (CHP) have charged the driver of the Mazda and consider alcohol to be a factor in the accident.
Head-on accidents on California highways often result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Head injuries resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and damage to the neck or spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis. These permanent injuries require long-term ongoing medical care, physical therapy and other significant expenses. In these cases we prepare a “Life Care Plan” to help a jury understand all of the present and future costs of medical care, lost wages, physical therapy and even the modifications required to a home or vehicles. These cases are quite complex and after more than 40 years of experience as a personal injury attorney here in Orange County I can tell you the injury case and wrongful death action which will come out of this accident will require legal skill and expertise.
If the fatal accident on the Ortega highway east of San Juan Capistrano was the result of a DUI (as suspected by the CHP) the injury case and wrongful death action may need to wait upon the outcome of the criminal case against the driver of the Mazda. However, it is important to gather crucial evidence and preserve witness statements now while events are fresh in their minds. If you or someone you love are injured in a San Juan Capistrano or Orange County car accident, or if you lose a family member in a fatal car accident resulting in a wrongful death I invite you to contact us or call (949)305-1400 to speak with me personally for a free consultation.
