Saturday's deadly wreck was between red 2017 Honda CRV, white 1966 Chrysler Newport
APTOS, CA, (August 17, 2024) - A 23-year-old man was fatally injured in a head-on collision along Freedom Boulevard east of McDonald Road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Cruz said.
Santa Cruz resident Luke Thomas Salem, 23, was identified as the victim of a deadly two-vehicle crash that occurred on Freedom Boulevard Saturday morning, according to CHP.
The crash happened on Saturday around 7:35 a.m. According to officials, a red 2017 Honda CRV was traveling east at an undetermined speed on Freedom Blvd., while a white 1966 Chrysler Newport was heading west on the same road. For reasons still unknown, the cars collided head-on.
Santa Cruz resident Luke Thomas Salem, the Chrysler driver, died at the scene.
The other driver was hospitalized with minor injuries, the report said.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Luke Thomas Salem may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to one of Newsline's national legal analysts now free of charge for a no-obligation.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).