Two people tragically died Saturday, July 31st in a head-on collision on Byron Highway in Contra Costa County, the CHP reported. The accident was reported at 4:24 p.m. near Herdlyn Road. Three vehicles were involved in the crash: an eastbound Toyota pickup, a westbound GMC pickup, and a westbound Nissan Maxima.
According to CHP reports, the driver of the Toyota pickup, Jess Bandiola, 31, of Danville, may have been attempting to pass another vehicle when his vehicle entered westbound lanes. Bandiola's vehicle collided head-on with the GMC pickup truck drive by Ernesto Licea, 40, of Tracy. Seconds after the initial collision, the Nissan Maximua struck Licea's truck. Both Bandiola and Licea died in the crash. Two male passengers in the GMC pickup truck suffered non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Nissan was reportedly not hurt.
Cause of the Head-on Collision
If news reports are accurate, this crash may have been caused by the Danville man driving the Toyota pickup. The main issue in this accident appears to be whether the driver of the Toyota had sufficient clearance to pass. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21751 (Passing Without Sufficient Clearance), "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction." The CHP is still investigating the cause of the accident. In the course of their investigation, law enforcement will look at other possible contributing factors such as the speed of all three vehicles, possible driver distraction or impairment, the condition of the roadway, and other factors.
Potential Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
In situations where the negligence of another driver is likely the cause of a car crash resulting in fatality and serious injury, the family members of the victims are well-advised to consult with a northern California personal injury lawyer about their legal rights to compensation following an accident. A skilled lawyer can explain the unique legal issues of this particular situation and advise the victims of their best course of action to protect their rights and recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their injury or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Sources: CBS 5, Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, California Vehicle Code
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