Police continue to investigate possible causes of a car crash that happened earlier this week near Dana Point, California. The Dodge Stratus collided with a tree around 2:00 am, after the driver apparently lost control of the car. There were four people in the car at the time, and the driver is the only survivor.

According to the local sheriff's department, all of the people in the car were active duty marines serving at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. While the accident and causes are still under investigation, police believe that unsafe speed was a main factor. Depending on the results of the investigation, family members of the victims may be able to recover for wrongful death from the driver.

Factors such as high speed and alcohol or drug use can be important factors in determining whether or not the driver's negligence caused the crash. If that is the case, family members may be able to seek payment from the driver to compensate them for the loss of their loved one.

Families seeking compensation for a wrongful death often consider costs like medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and other types of physical, emotional and financial damages that resulted from the death. A wrongful death suit can serve to hold negligent drivers responsible.

In California, a variety of family members are eligible to file for a wrongful death action. Spouses, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents are all included under state law. Seeking legal advice soon after an accident can help increase the chances of recovery, allowing for more time to gather evidence about the accident.

Source: ABC 40, "Westfield Marine Killed in California Car Crash," Feb. 16, 2012.