One person was killed, while another was injured following a vehicle vs. dump truck collision near San Juan Capistrano on Thursday afternoon, June 13, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly crash happened at about 1:48 p.m. along Ortega Highway, just west of Gibbey Road.
CHP said that the incident involved a van and a Freightliner dump truck. Initial reports suggested that the van was going east along Ortega Highway while the dump truck was traveling westbound on the two-lane highway.
For some reason, the van veered into the opposite lane of where it was going and directly in front of the dump truck, causing a violent head-on crash.
The driver of the van, whose identity remains undisclosed, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Meanwhile, the dump truck driver managed to walk away with just minor injuries.
The reason why the van driver suddenly drifted into the westbound lane is still under investigation. The authorities will release further information as their investigation progresses.
No further details were immediately available.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
