The holiday season is coming to an end in California and around the country. Along with the happy memories of trees, lights, cookies and holiday foods are families in mourning because of a loved one lost in a car accident. Tragically, some of these accidents may have been caused by people who failed to realize that alcohol consumption may have impaired their ability to safely drive a car.
A woman was entertaining friends who had come to visit and take home some tamales and cookies the host was sharing with them. Goodbye hugs and holiday wishes were exchanged as the couple left the house and got in their car for the drive home. The couple had brought their beloved little dog with them.
As the car exited the driveway, a pickup truck was advancing at a reported high rate of speed toward the vehicle. A resident of the house saw the oncoming truck and attempted to warn the driver, but to no avail. The force of the impact killed the woman and her dog who were both in the passenger seat.
The driver of the car was injured and was transported to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. The driver of the truck was cited for failure to yield and, according to police reports, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The accident remains under investigation.
Tragic car accidents are a fact of life in California, but with the arrival of ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, there are options for those who may have indulged in too much holiday cheer. Losing a loved one in a possibly preventable car accident can forever mar the holiday season and create a hole that may never be filled. Nothing can undo the tragedy and bring the loved one back. A civil lawsuit against the parties deemed responsible can provide compensation for medical costs, final costs and other verifiable losses.