(Walnut Creek, CA) An Ygnacio Valley Road collision resulted in the death of Mt. Diablo High School student Alina Safi, 16, in Walnut Creek.
On Saturday, August 9, at about 4:40 p.m., the Ygnacio Valley Road collision occurred. According to the Walnut Creek Police Department, it happened on Ygnacio Valley Road, east of Oak Grove Road.
When police investigated, they learned Alina Safi drove one of the cars involved in the crash. At some point, the head-on collision between Safi’s car and one other occurred. By the time officers arrived, they pronounced Safi dead. Paramedics arrived and transported four others to hospitals. First responders airlifted one child to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Police also found a dog in one of the vehicles, in which a person took them to a nearby veterinary clinic for care.
Alina Safi’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.
Legal Opinion of the Ygnacio Valley Road Collision
Police determined the Ygnacio Valley Road collision that killed Alina Safi to be a head-on crash. Under California Vehicle Code 21651, driving on the wrong side of a divided roadway is prohibited. Furthermore, VEH 21460 bars crossing double yellow lines except in limited, lawful circumstances. Head-on collisions often occur when one driver drifts or veers into oncoming lanes. This can result from distraction, speeding, or unsafe passing. Walnut Creek police will likely examine roadway evidence. They will look for skid marks and debris fields, along with witness statements to determine which driver crossed into the other’s path.
The crash also resulted in serious injuries to four others, including a child. If investigators determine fault on the other driver was at fault, by crossing into Safi’s lane, they will rule it as a violation of VEH 22350. Safi’s surviving family and the injured passengers could pursue civil claims for their losses. In California, even partial fault by one driver does not prevent recovery. Damages are reduced under comparative negligence principles.
Safi’s family may file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, seeking damages for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. The injured victims can also file personal injury claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. The veterinary costs for the injured dog could be included in property damage claims if the at-fault driver is identified.
What the Family Can Do
The family and injured victims should contact an experienced wrongful death and personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorney can work with the Walnut Creek Police Department to obtain the collision report and secure witness statements. Quick action is important to preserve critical physical evidence from the crash site. By moving promptly, the family can ensure accountability for Safi’s death, secure compensation for all victims, and address both the immediate and long-term consequences of this tragic collision.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
