Yorktown, VA Couple Had Lives Shattered in Car Crash | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Clifton and Nancy Hayes, natives of Yorktown, Virginia (VA) were enjoying a trip in Monterey, California (CA) driving down the Monterey-Salinas Highway in a rented Nissan Altima when they were the victims in a horrible car crash.

The driver of a Chevrolet SUV drifted into the westbound lane and slammed head-on into the Hayes’ vehicle. The wreck specifically occurred between Canyon Del Rey and Olsted roads. Mr. Hayes died at the scene of the crash and Mrs. Hayes suffered serious injuries, according to the Monterey Herald.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Hayes family. Just think, in the blink of an eye, through no fault of their own, their lives were forever changed in this senseless accident.  Monterey police are investigating the possibility of drug or alcohol involvement in this wrongful death car wreck.  

If it turns out the at-fault driver was intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal substance, the Hayes family should consult with a wrongful death attorney to discuss their legal options. Even though the accident occurred in California, that does not prevent an out-of-state victim, or administrator, from bringing a wrongful death claim when the accident occurred in that state.

Under these circumstances, many courts allow plaintiffs to pursue punitive damages, which is a form of additional compensation meant to send a signal to the community that the defendant’s actions are unacceptable. 

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