GJEL Accident Attorneys highlights their expertise in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases with a $420,000 settlement achieved for a family in Monterey County after a tragic multi-vehicle accident. The article also provides Monterey car crash statistics and common injury information. If you’ve experienced a serious injury or wrongful death, contact GJEL for a free case evaluation.
About the Case
The deceased wife and mother was a passenger in a VW New Beetle traveling northbound on US Hwy 101 in Monterey County north of King City. Her brother was driving, and the other two passengers were her cousins. They, along with many other members of the extended family, were returning to their homes in Napa from a funeral service for a relative when a southbound Ford Explorer veered across the median and collided head-on with the VW. The initial collision caused a chain reaction of subsequent collisions involving nine vehicles.
The driver and one of the passengers of the VW were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two passengers sustained severe injuries; one was airlifted to Fresno Community Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries several hours later.
The CHP investigated the accident. The officers determined that the driver of the Ford Explorer was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. They recommended that she be criminally charged for causing the accident.
Case Facts
The surviving husband and five children retained GJEL Accident Attorneys to represent them for the wrongful death of their wife and mother. Because of the multiple claims arising from the survivors of the other two fatalities and the eleven other people injured in the accident, Attorney Jim Larsen had to vigorously assert his client’s sense of loss to ensure that they received a fair allocation of the proceeds of the insurance policies.
Extensive negotiations among the three law firms representing fourteen clients and eight individuals who represented themselves were managed by Attorney Larsen to achieve a settlement payment to our client’s family of $420,000.00.
| Insurance Company Names: | CSAA, Dairyland (Viking) |
| Police Report | CHP |
| Vehicle Types | 2006 Ford Explorer, 2000 VW New Beetle |
| Accident Locations: | US Hwy 101, half mile north of Central Ave, near King City, CA |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers Visited | Fresno Community Medical Center |
| Types of Injuries (Specific as possible) | Fatality |
Monterey car crash statistics
GJEL Accident Attorneys, a personal injury law firm in California, is well-informed of the car crash statistics in Monterey. In 2017, Monterey County had 2,873 reported motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 18 fatalities and 1,876 injuries. This highlights the importance of driving safely and responsibly on the roads. Most of these car crashes (71%) occurred on urban streets, and the most common type of crash was rear-end collisions, accounting for 28% of all crashes.
The most common contributing factor to car crashes in Monterey County was following too closely, which was cited in 22% of all crashes. This highlights the importance of maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Speeding was the second most common contributing factor to car crashes, cited in 16%. This highlights the need for drivers to obey speed limits and drive at a safe speed for the conditions.
What are the most common Monterey car crash injuries?
Head Injuries: Head injuries are some of the most common and potentially serious injuries sustained in car crashes. A head injury can range from a minor concussion to a life-threatening brain injury. The impact from a crash can cause the head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, causing a range of head injuries.
Some of the most common head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. If you have suffered a head injury in a car crash, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as some head injuries can take time to develop and become apparent.
Neck and Back Injuries: Neck and back injuries are also common in car crashes, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash, a type of neck injury, can occur when the head is suddenly and violently jerked forward and backward. Whiplash can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, and it can also cause headaches and other symptoms. Back injuries can also occur in car crashes and can range from a strain or sprain to a more serious injury, such as a herniated disk.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can be serious and life-threatening. Some of the most common internal injuries sustained in car crashes include injuries to the chest, such as broken ribs and punctured lungs, as well as abdominal injuries, such as lacerated organs. Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose, as they may not be immediately apparent. Still, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have suffered an internal injury in a car crash.
Limb Injuries: Limb injuries, like broken bones, are also common in car crashes. The impact from a crash can cause limbs to hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or other parts of the vehicle, resulting in broken bones, sprains, and other injuries. Limb injuries can be painful and require significant time to heal.
The case highlighted demonstrates GJEL Accident Attorneys’ commitment and ability to secure significant settlements for families facing the tragedy of wrongful death, even in complex multi-party incidents like the Monterey County pile-up. Their thorough approach, as exemplified by Attorney Jim Larsen’s efforts, ensures that their clients’ voices and losses are effectively represented during intricate negotiations with multiple parties and insurance companies. This dedication to advocating for those who have suffered the ultimate loss underscores their focus on serious injury and wrongful death law.
Beyond this specific case, the article sheds light on the broader issue of traffic accidents in Monterey County, providing crucial statistics on crash frequency, common causes, and typical injuries. This information educates the community on the risks on their roads and the potential consequences of negligent driving. By understanding the prevalence of incidents and the severity of resulting injuries, residents can appreciate the importance of safe driving practices and the necessity of experienced legal representation when the unthinkable occurs.
Ultimately, GJEL Accident Attorneys positions itself as a dedicated legal resource for individuals and families in Northern California, particularly in Monterey County, who have been impacted by serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. Their track record, as illustrated by the $420,000 settlement, combined with their understanding of local accident trends and injury types, makes them a strong advocate for those seeking justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected, reaching out for a free consultation could be the first step towards protecting your rights and securing your future.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.