Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

PLACER COUNTY - A 63-year-old Auburn man suffered "severe" injuries Wedensday afternoon in a crash on Highway 49, the Auburn Journal reported. The accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred near Doug Oest Road shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011.

According to news reports, 25-year-old Sacramento resident Jamie Nunley was travelling southbound on Highway 49 in a Jeep Wrangler when she allegedly made an "unsafe turn" and collided with a Jeep Liberty driven by Ronald Cheli, 72, of Nevada City, and a Nissan 350 driven by John Zechiel, 63, of Auburn.

Nunley complained of neck and back pain, and was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Cheli had no reported injuries. Zechiel was airlifted to Sutter Roseville's trauma unit with major injuries, including four broken ribs.

Cause of the Highway 49 Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the July 6th Grass Valley Hwy accident. However, if news accounts of the incident are accurate, this crash was likely the result of an unsafe left turn. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left ... shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Depending on the unique circumstances of the crash, if the left-turning driver is determined to be responsible, the injured victim may be entitled to damages in a personal injury claim. While this Placer County injury accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable northern California auto accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who understands the complex legal issues arising from multiple-vehicle accidents can advise the victim of his best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies, and help recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.