3 dead and 5 injured in van accident

Fatal accidents often involve multiple drivers, but even a lone vehicle can crash due to unsafe road conditions or a negligent driver. A highway in central California was the scene of a tragic accident involving one vehicle that resulted in serious injuries and several deaths. The accident occurred on June 20 on the Merced County stretch of state Route 152.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the van accident. The driver of the Chevrolet Astrovan was a 21-year-old resident of California and one of the injured parties. In total, there were eight occupants of the van. Three women reportedly died at the scene. The other five occupants, including the only person that police said had been wearing a seat belt, were hospitalized for treatment of moderate to serious injuries.

All of the people in the van were farm workers returning home at the end of the day. Police stated that drifting off the road and over-correction by the driver led to the overturned vehicle. There was no mention of charges being issued against the driver as the accident investigation continued.

Injured victims of an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver are often unclear as to how to proceed. They can be facing high medical expenses for their care and treatment, and in many cases their financial situation is worsened due to an inability to return to work. A settlement offer by the driver's insurance company is often insufficient to cover those costs. In such cases, a personal injury attorney may be able to pursue a civil action for damages against the responsible driver.