Aden Joseph, of Forestville, Died In Bodega Bay Head-On Car Accident With Pickup Truck On Highway 1
BODEGA BAY, CALIFORNIA (May 5, 2022) – A man from Forestville identified as Aden Joseph has died in a Bodega Bay head-on car accident on Highway 1.
Sonora County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:15 p.m. on April 24. Aden Joseph was heading down Highway 1 in a BMW 325XI when the driver of a Toyota Tundra pickup truck crossed double yellow lines into his lane of traffic.
The pickup truck and the BMW collided in the roadway causing both vehicles to sustain major damage. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help everyone who was injured.
Despite life-saving measures, Aden Joseph died due to his injuries. The driver of the Toyota was freed from his vehicle and taken to the hospital.
It remains unclear if the teenage driver of the pickup truck will face any citations after the crash. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Bodega Bay Car Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the IIHS, nearly 35,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2019. This was around 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. It has been estimated that nearly 93% of all collisions involve some amount of human error. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident.
- Younger, more inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions.
- Drivers are more likely to loose control of their vehicles at higher speeds.
- Nearly 1/3 of all fatal collisions involve an intoxicated driver.
All drivers are supposed to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many accidents are due to drivers that commit traffic infractions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21460, no person operating a motor vehicle shall cross over a pair of double yellow lines, except as permitted by statute. If a driver does cross over double yellow lines and hits another vehicle, they will typically be held at fault. Depending on the facts of any case, liability could extend beyond any driver.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes in landscape and construction. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties.
The owner of a vehicle could also be liable for an accident under the doctrine of negligent entrustment. Under California law, the owner of a vehicle is liable for an accident when they let someone drive their vehicle who is incompetent, reckless, or inexperienced enough to safely operate the vehicle. Negligent entrustment may occur if someone allows an obviously intoxicated person to operate their vehicle. It may also occur if a vehicle owner allows someone unlicensed to operate their vehicle. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will be used to demonstrate liability. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bodega Bay Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Aden Joseph. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. This was a senseless and preventable tragedy that should not have happened.
Do you need more information about a Bodega car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
