77-Year-Old Hong Zhang ID'd as Passenger Killed in Newberry Springs Car Crash on Needles (40) Freeway near Desert Oasis Rest Area
Newberry Springs, California (November 7, 2021) – 77-year-old Hong Fei Zhang of Hacienda Heights has been identified as the passenger who died after being ejected from a vehicle in a traffic collision that occurred Thursday night on Needles (40) Freeway in Newberry Springs.
The collision occurred at around 9:28 p.m., November 4, in the eastbound lanes of the 40 Fwy, just one and a half miles from the Desert Oasis Rest Area, the California Highway Patrol reported.
According to the CHP, 49-year-old William Green was driving a van at a high rate of speed when he crashed into a pickup truck driven by a 53-year-old Arcadia man.
The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to overturn, ejecting Zhang from the van. Another person was trapped in the wreckage of their car and had to be extricated by emergency responders.
Hacienda Heights Man Killed in DUI Car Crash on 40 Freeway
Zhang was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:07 p.m.
The pickup truck driver was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton for treatment of moderate injuries.
The police said Green exhibited signs of intoxication at the time of the accident. He was arrested and was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, causing bodily injury.
The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.
Fatal Auto Accidents in California
Auto accidents happen every day in roadways in California, some of them resulting in significant injuries that ultimately cause death.
It is unfortunate that many fatal car accidents in California result from the negligence of one or more drivers.
The aftermath of a fatal collision is always unbearable for the deceased's family members.
Although there is no amount of compensation that can replace a loved one, the immediate family members of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to help settle outstanding medical bills. In addition, there is a need to seek compensation for loss of consortium, loss of a loved one's future income, emotional suffering, among other damages.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim can be negotiated with an insurance company or through a court of law. For a family member to establish a wrongful death claim, there must be evidence that the negligent party directly caused the injuries and death of their loved one.
At this point, it is advisable to involve a qualified wrongful death lawyer to help bring expertise to your claim.