Two Killed in Multi-Car Crash After Tree Fell on Highway 101

Two Killed, Four Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Accident on Highway 101

Two people were killed, and four suffered significant injuries following a freak accident on US Highway 101 that led to a multi-vehicle crash. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the deadly collision occurred when a tree fell along the highway’s southbound lanes onto a moving car in the early morning of December 11, 2022.

Details of the Deadly Tree Accident on Highway 101

According to the CHP, officers responded to a crash on Highway 101 at about 3:25 am near Cannon Road, south of Mission San Juan Bautista. When officers arrived, they found that a large eucalyptus tree had landed on top of a Toyota Prius. The tree remained elevated a couple of feet off the ground, blocking all highway lanes.

Initial reports determined that the Toyota was traveling in the slow lane when the tree fell on top of it. Shortly after the tree landed on the Prius, an SUV traveling in the fast lane hit the tree, causing significant damage to the front windshield and cab of the vehicle. A second vehicle, a BMW, also hit the tree and damaged its front windshield and cab.

Officials said the driver of the SUV and a passenger in the BMW died in the crash, while the driver and another passenger in the BMW sustained significant injuries. The driver and passenger in the Prius suffered moderate to major injuries.

The southbound lanes of 101 were closed for about four hours while authorities investigated. Reports indicated that neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor in the crashes. Officials said the incident happened during rainy and windy conditions in the Bay Area.

Losing a Loved in an Accident

Losing a family member in a tragic accident is genuinely heartbreaking. The situation can be far worse if the death is due to a negligent driver or other entity. Anger and depression can take over and make the grieving process extremely difficult.

When someone is killed in a traffic accident, it is essential to find out what caused the death. If negligence is involved, surviving family members may hold the responsible party accountable by filing a wrongful death claim for unexpected costs.

Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

Acting early can make a big difference and help prevent financial hardship. It is essential to understand the types of damages that can be recovered. A successful wrongful death claim can result in compensation for the following:

• funeral and burial expenses
• medical expenses
• loss of income and benefits
• loss of consortium
• pain and suffering

Who Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?

Many people are unsure if they are eligible to file a wrongful death claim after losing their loved one. However, different parties can be eligible to receive compensation for their losses related to fatal auto accidents.

The following can file a wrongful death claim:

• The surviving spouse
• The decedent’s surviving children
• Dependent minors living in the household
• Parents of the decedent
• Other heirs
• Next of kin