[08-11-2021] Stanislaus County, CA – Horseloving Teen Killed After a Distracted-Driving Crash in Turlock

A 19-year-old girl identified as Summer Vigil G. was killed after getting hit by a distracted driver near Turlock on Wednesday morning, August 11.

The accident occurred in the 2300 block of Harding Road near Youngstown Road in Turlock at around 9:00 a.m. A northbound Chevrolet Silverado driven by 27-year-old Isaac Leal L. was traveling on Youngstown Road when he struck the 19-year-old girl riding her horse eastbound along the edge of the road.

The Chevrolet Silverado driver reportedly got distracted when he attempted to get a bottle of water inside his vehicle. As he looked back up, he saw the teen on her horse.

Although he attempted to avoid the teen by swerving, his vehicle rotated counterclockwise and inevitably crashed into the teenager’s horse. Due to the severity of the impact, the teen was thrown off her horse and landed on the roadway.

She sustained major injuries from the crash and was rushed to the Doctors Medical Center. Unfortunately, the teen later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.  The teenager’s horse was also killed in the accident.

Meanwhile, the Chevy driver was uninjured in the mishap and remained at the scene. Distracted driving was considered a factor in the accident. Local authorities are further investigating the case.

Fatal Distracted-Driving Crash Statistics

Distracted driving has quickly become one of the most serious public health risks facing road users across the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over three thousand victims died due to distracted drivers in 2019.

In 2018, approximately 2,800 people were killed, and an estimated 400,000 were wounded in crashes caused by distracted drivers in the United States. Around 1 in every five people killed in distracted driving crashes were not in vehicles; they were walking, riding their bikes, or doing something else outside of a vehicle. Anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road increases the risk of an accident dramatically.

Drivers must take personal responsibility for choosing to eliminate all distractions in the vehicle. When accidents do occur due to distracted driving, it is important to hold these drivers accountable for their negligence. Doing so discourages the driver from engaging in dangerous driving behaviors in the future. It also sends a message to other drivers and lets them know that distracted driving has consequences.

Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Distracted-Driving Accidents in Stanislaus County

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your car accident, you have options. Meeting with an attorney before speaking with an insurance claims adjuster will provide you with all of the information and assurance you require during this trying time.

Filing an insurance claim against a negligent driver protects your legal right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. It also provides financial consequences to that driver to deter them from becoming distracted while driving in the future.

A wrongful death claim may be able to help pay for the high medical bills and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident. It can also provide financial assistance to persons who have lost income due to an injury or untimely death. Legal action could also prevent other families from experiencing a similar catastrophe.

Our fatal car accident lawyers from Arash Law understand the pain that you are going through. It is not easy to suddenly lose a loved one due to the negligence of another driver. We can help you fight for your claim and ensure that you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free no-obligation fatal car accident case review.