An Oxnard car accident resulted in the deaths of two people and left another in critical condition. The accident occurred after 11:30 p.m. Monday night, near Victoria Avenue and Wooley Road. The Ventura Star reports that the accident occurred when a Pontiac Fire Bird travelling at high speeds collided with a Lexus GS 430.
After the Pontiac struck the Lexus, it left the roadway coming to rest by smashing into a palm tree. The Pontiac contained a driver and two passengers. The 19 year-old driver, Oxnard resident Juan Cruz, died at the scene. 20-year-old passenger Karisa Serrato was ejected from the car and died from her injuries after she was transported to the hospital. The other passenger, a 19-year-old from Oxnard, was also transported to the hospital in critical condition, but is now in stable condition. The Lexus driver was uninjured and stayed at the scene to speak with police.
The cause of the incident in still under investigation. When a car accident occurs late at night, there can be many potential causes including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding or reckless driving, distracted driving, or even drowsy driving. Driving in any of these situations is extremely dangerous and has tragic consequences like this case. Although the driver of the Pontiac was young, the victims and their families can seek wrongful death damages or personal injury damages from the driver’s insurance. The family of Karisa Serrato can pursue a wrongful death claim, while the 19-year-old can pursue a personal injury claim for his extensive injuries.
Finding out someone you love has been taken away or critically injured in a car accident can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Speaking with an experienced Oxnard wrongful death and personal injury lawyer can help to ease the financial burden as they can assist you in making a claim to help obtain compensation for your loss. Our office has been handling claims like this for almost 45 years and we offer a free consultation to injured victims or family members of those who lost a loved one. Contact us today.