2 dead in fiery wrong-way accident

A car accident that occurred in California on Jan. 8 left two people dead. Officials stated that the crash occurred when a driver entered the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa and began traveling in the wrong direction.

The driver of a silver Mustang was heading south in the northbound lanes at approximately 4 a.m. when he collided with a black Expedition near State Route 55 and MacArthur Boulevard. The collision caused both vehicles to burst into flames. The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. There were no passengers involved. At the time the report was released, it was not known if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

A wrong-way car accident can result in serious injuries or even death for those involved. If a person survives a wrong-way accident, they potentially face broken bones, damage to internal organs and even a traumatic brain injury. In some cases, the person suffers permanent disabilities that prevent them from being able to live their life as before. They may not be able to work or support their family members as a result.

If the person who did not cause the crash died due to their car accident injuries, family members can potentially file a wrongful death claim against the responsible driver. An attorney may assist with providing evidence that shows that the driver was under the influence or was distracted when the crash occurred. The attorney may file for the cost of the deceased person's medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Usually, these cases are settled out of court, though they can go to trial if an agreement is not reached.

Source: KTLA 5, "Fiery Crash Involving Wrong-Way Driver Kills 2 on 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa," Erin Myers, Jan. 8, 2017