A Tuolumne County resident died early Thursday morning in a head-on collision on Hwy 108/120 near Oakdale, the Modesto CHP reported. The fatal Stanislaus County accident was reported around 6:10 a.m. between Knights Ferry and Oakdale According to news reports, an eastbound 2001 Chevy pickup driven by Jason Wood, 30, of Sonora, crossed double yellow lines and veered head-on into a Honda Accord driven by Joseph Lopez, 27, of Copperopolis.
Authorities believe Wood, who was the sole occupant of his vehicle, fell asleep. Wood was reportedly not hurt in the crash. Lopez suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. A right front passenger in Lopez's vehicle, a 45-year-old Moccasin man, was fatally injured in the crash. All parties were wearing their seatbelts and the CHP reported that alcohol or drugs were not believed to be a factor in the crash, although the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Cause of the Hwy 108/120 Crash
Although the California Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident, if news reports by the Modesto Bee and KNXS News are accurate, Wood, the driver that authorities believe fell asleep at the wheel, caused this fatal crash by veering into oncoming traffic. If he is determined to be at fault, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the passenger in the accord and the injuries to Joseph Lopez.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
While this accident remains under investigation, the families of the two occupants of the Honda Accord would be well-advised to speak to a northern California car accident attorney about their legal rights in a personal injury and wrongful death claim. An attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of head-on collisions can review the accident report and explain the family's best course of action to protect their rights in a personal injury claim. Damages award in a personal injury claim can include monetary compensation for all medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering; damages awarded in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of anticipated future income and support, loss of love and companionship, and other accident related expenses.
Sources: MyMotherLode.com (KNXS News), Modesto Bee
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