A single-car crash in Sonoma County claimed the life of a 23-year-old man the other day.
According to CHP, James Ortega was one of the passengers in a 2006 Mazda 3 being driven by 24-year-old Donald Arrodondo.
As they were traveling north on Frei road, Arrodondo failed to safely negotiate a curve and their vehicle went off the road then struck a tree and a fence.
Ortega did not survive and was pronounced dead on the scene. Arrodondo and another passenger were brought to a hospital after sustaining injuries.
Arrodondo was also arrested for suspicion of DUI.
The family of Ortega may file a wrongful death claim against Arrodondo.
Under the law, passengers are never liable in a car accident unless they intentionally distracted the driver to cause the crash. It did not say whether Ortega was wearing a seatbelt, but if he isn’t, it will somewhat reduce the damages he will receive.
It is called comparative negligence or the level of fault the victim contributed to his own injuries.
According to CHP, James Ortega was one of the passengers in a 2006 Mazda 3 being driven by 24-year-old Donald Arrodondo.
As they were traveling north on Frei road, Arrodondo failed to safely negotiate a curve and their vehicle went off the road then struck a tree and a fence.
Ortega did not survive and was pronounced dead on the scene. Arrodondo and another passenger were brought to a hospital after sustaining injuries.
Arrodondo was also arrested for suspicion of DUI.
The family of Ortega may file a wrongful death claim against Arrodondo.
Under the law, passengers are never liable in a car accident unless they intentionally distracted the driver to cause the crash. It did not say whether Ortega was wearing a seatbelt, but if he isn’t, it will somewhat reduce the damages he will receive.
It is called comparative negligence or the level of fault the victim contributed to his own injuries.
