77-Year-Old Virginio Cortez Hit, Killed, Jose Sanchez Jr. Arrested in DUI Crash on Highway 101 [Salinas, CA]

Virginio Cortez Struck, Killed by Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. in Highway 101 DUI Accident near Laurel Drive

 
SALINAS, CA (July 22, 2024) — Virginio Cortez died after being hit by a DUI driver while changing a tire on Highway 101 near Laurel Drive.
 
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal multi-vehicle crash happened around 1:07 p.m. Saturday. Virginio Cortez, of Salinas, was changing a tire on a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup on the right shoulder. Subsequently, 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr., of Salinas, allowed his black 2005 Acura TL to travel from the No. 2 lane to the shoulder. As a result, Sanchez’s car sideswiped a Salinas woman standing near the Chevrolet, Cortez who was replacing the tire and the pickup. The force also pushed the Chevrolet into the rear of a maroon Nissan Altima pulled over in front of it before it struck a 2003 Honda Pilot driven by a 29-year-old man and occupied by two children.
 
Cortez passed away in the accident, and the Salinas woman suffered an abdominal contusion. Paramedics took her to Natividad Medical Center for major injuries. Fortunately, no one inside the Honda Pilot claimed any injuries.
 
After the crash, police arrested Sanchez Jr. on suspicion of DUI. He also sustained moderate injuries and sought care at Natividad Medical Center.

Our heartfelt sympathies are with the family and friends of Virginio Cortez.

Instead of settling for these heartbreaking circumstances, hire a lawyer about your options. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is happy to speak to you about your case. We can file a wrongful death case and pursue a claim against the reckless driver. In doing that, you can receive a higher compensation amount. With a legal advocate in your corner, you can take this time to rest and grieve peacefully. Meanwhile, we will manage the legalities of your case and all negotiations with the insurer and involved parties. If interested, schedule your free case evaluation and dial (800) 895-7199.