Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

PLACER COUNTY -- A head-on collision in Foresthill left two people seriously injured, The Sacramento Bee reported. The accident happened at about 2:05 p.m. Friday, when for unknown reasons a 79-year-old Foresthill man drove his white Nissan pickup from the westbound lane and onto the eastbound lanes of Foresthill Road. The driver of the Nissan then slammed head-on into a Toyota driven by a 32-year-old woman from Foresthill. Both drivers were airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for further treatment.

Cause of the Foresthill Car Collision

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the driver to veer onto the opposite side of the road and into oncoming traffic. Therefore, the accident on December 30th will remain under investigation until the Placer County Sheriff's Department determines whether speed, negligence, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, or drugs/alcohol, played a role in this terrible accident.

Car Accident Injury Liability

After a car accident like this one, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced Northern California personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has helped numerous victims in car accidents, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected and decide the best option to recover the compensation she is entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages relating to this devastating head-on car collision.

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SACRAMENTO -- A 70-year-old woman was killed and three people injured after they were involved in a two-vehicle accident, The Sacramento Bee reported. The multi-car crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, when the 70-year-old woman traveling eastbound on Garden Highway near the Northgate-Arden Garden connector swerved into the westbound lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

According to Sgt. Andrew Pettit, spokesman of the Sacramento Police Department, a medical condition may have contributed to the collision. Following this terrible accident, the woman was reported to have died at the scene, while three occupants in the other vehicle were taken to a hospital. The female driver sustained serious injuries and her passenger suffered moderate injuries. The injuries or condition of the other passenger - an infant - was not immediately released.

Cause of the Car Accident in Sacramento

The accident on December 14th remains under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department. And based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee, it is unclear whether the cause of the crash was due to the driver's medical condition. However, the collision will be further investigated to determine if there were other factors that prompted the accident.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation of this accident is ongoing, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek a Sacramento car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights in a personal injury claim. If the police determine that the driver who veered onto the opposite side of the road is fully responsible for the collision, a skilled lawyer can advise the victims the best course of action to obtain compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic car accident.

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FRESNO COUNTY -- A devastating head-on collision on Sunday afternoon killed one and injured two others, Fresno Bee reports. The accident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling southbound on Brawley Avenue veered onto the opposite side of the roadway, thus, colliding head-on with a northbound vehicle. The impact of the multi-vehicle collision killed the northbound driver and injured his female passenger. The southbound driver also sustained injuries and was transported via ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was reported in critical condition. The identities of the people involved in this accident were not available.

Cause of the Fresno Car Crash

The October 2nd car accident remains under investigation by the Fresno Police Department. However, based on the limited information provided by the Fresno Bee, it is not fully known what actually caused the southbound driver to veer from the roadway and into oncoming traffic. Therefore, authorities investigating this accident will try to determine what caused this crash and who is responsible.

Head-On Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Head-on automobile accidents can result to severe and catastrophic injuries and/or death. A number of reasons why head-on car collisions happen can be caused by vehicle malfunctions, dangerous roadways, and in most cases, driver error or negligence. Therefore, if police come to a conclusion that the southbound driver is responsible for the crash, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Northern California head-on collision lawyer. A skilled Fresno personal injury attorney can help the injured victim protect her legal rights and best course of action to receive the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event where the family of the deceased victim decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, the attorney can advise the family of their legal rights and help them recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this tragic head-on car accident.

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SHASTA COUNTY - A woman in her 20s was taken to a Redding Hospital following a head-on collision on Highway 299 in Round Mountain, the Record Searchlight reported. The accident occurred in front of the Golden Bear Store before 11 p.m. The injured woman, who may have broken a leg, was trapped inside one of the vehicles that crashed. The CHP is investigating the cause of the May 24th accident; further details regarding the circumstances of the accident, or who was responsible, were not available.

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SACRAMENTO - A motor vehicle accident on Highway 160 that involved two pickup trucks resulted in the death of an Elk Grove man, 51-year-old Weiliang Li. According to the Sacramento Bee, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the California head-on crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, north of the Antioch Bridge.

A pickup truck driven by a Rio Vista man was reportedly heading north when it veered into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into the vehicle in which Li was a passenger. The driver of the pickup carrying Li was not reported to have suffered serious injury. However, the motorist of the truck the CHP reports to have crossed over the line sustained major injuries and was not identified.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the early estimates of January-June of 2010, 14,996 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents. While the Highway 160 accident is still under investigation, since one of the pickup trucks reportedly drifted into the opposing lane, it is possible that driver fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving may have contributed to the crash.

Pickup trucks are known for having dangerous blind spots and a high likelihood of rolling. These potential risks make it all the more important for pickup truck motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings and follow all traffic laws.

If it is determined that another motorist's negligence caused a person to suffer serious injury or death in an accident, individuals who are injured or family members of those killed may be able to receive compensation for their losses and damages. A skilled Sacramento wrongful death attorney can help a family through this difficult time. While it may seem impossible to even think about contacting a lawyer after losing a loved one in a car collision, there is only a limited time allowed to family members to pursue a wrongful death claim.

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - Four people were injured in a head-on collision Saturday evening on Empire Grade Road, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported. The accident occurred north of Smith Grade at about 9:15 p.m., and involved a sedan and a mid-sized truck. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, but appears to have been caused by an unsafe passing attempt of one of the vehicles. Three of the injured victims were occupants of the car, and one victim was in the pickup truck. Two of the injured victims suffered "significant injuries;" the other two suffered less serious injuries.

Car Accident Injury Liability

Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will yield answers as to what happened and who was ultimately responsible. After a serious injury head-on collision such as this one, the injured parties would be well-advised to speak with a northern California personal injury lawyer who understands the unique liability issues of head-on collision accidents such as this February 5th crash on Empire Grade Road. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can review the CHP report and advise the victims of their legal rights and how much compensation they realistically may be entitled to recover for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. After any serious injury accident, it is advisable to seek a free consultation with an attorney before providing insurers with a recorded statement or accepting any compensation offer.

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A passenger in a Honda suffered facial fractures Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision in Redding, KRCRTV News reported. The two-vehicle crash happened at Northpoint Drive and Lake Boulevard. According to news reports, Manuel Arzate was driving northbound on Northpoint Drive when he crossed the double yellow line and into oncoming traffic. He struck a silver Honda heading southbound on the same road. George Mieger, 68, of Redding, a backseat passenger in the Honda, suffered facial fractures and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center.

Cause of the Accident

The Redding Police Department is the agency investigating this two-vehicle collision. Based on the news reports, it is not clear why Arzate allowed his vehicle to cross into southbound traffic and collide with the Honda. The Redding Police Department said there was "no illegal activity involved."

Head-on Collision Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this December 12th Shasta County head-on collision, where negligence is a possible cause of the accident, it would certainly be advisable for the injured victim or his family member to contact an experienced and knowledgeable northern California personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can oversee the investigation by law enforcement and advise the victim of his best course of action to recover maximum compensation for medical care and treatment expenses, any lost earnings or wages resulting from the victim's injuries, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, from the other driver or any other parties that may be liable.

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The Martinez News-Gazette reported one person tragically died and one person suffered major injuries the evening of Friday, November 26, 2010 in a head-on collision on Highway 49 on Calaveras County. According to news reports, Margaret Livingston, 66, of Martinez, had been driving a 2007 Volvo southbound over the Mokelumne River Bridge when she approached a right-hand turn in the roadway. She lost control of her vehicle and slid into the opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with a PT Cruiser driven by Cindy A. Reading, 46, of Valley Springs. Livingston died in the collision; Reading suffered major injuries and was transported to Sutter Roseville Hospital. A passenger in Reading's PT Cruiser was not seriously injured. According to the CHP, all parties were wearing seat belts.

Cause of the Highway 49 Accident

The CHP is investigating to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible for this collision. Based on the limited information in news accounts, it appears that the driver of the Volvo, who died of her injuries at the crash scene, may have been responsible for this accident. However, an investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Highway 49 Head-On Collision " »

The Red Bluff Daily News reported four people, including a child, were hospitalized Thursday afternoon following a three vehicle collision on Highway 99E. The crash, which happened at 3:20 p.m. in front of Lassen View Elementary School, involved a Nissan Frontier, a Subaru compact car, and a Ford Explorer.

According to news reports, the Subaru, driven by an elderly man, was travelling northbound on Highway 99E, well above the posted speed limit. As he came around the curve in the road, he allowed his vehicle to travel into the right turn lane. The Subaru collided with the front of the Nissan Frontier and the Ford Explorer, which was waiting to make a right turn.

A fifth-grader in the Nissan Frontier suffered a broken arm and wrist. She and her father were flown to Enloe Medical Center. The driver of the Explorer suffered moderate injuries and was taken to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital. Two passengers in the Explorer who were students at the elementary school were released from the scene and picked up by relatives. A passenger in the Subaru suffered moderate neck injuries and was taken to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

Cause of the Highway 99E Accident

The cause of the December 2nd Tehama County accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, if news reports are accurate, this crash was likely caused by the elderly man driving the Subaru, who reportedly was speeding and allowed his vehicle to travel into oncoming traffic.

Auto Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In multiple-vehicle injury collisions such as this one, the injured parties in both the Nissan and the Ford Explorer would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced northern California accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer familiar with the unique legal issues of multiple-vehicle injury accidents can advise the victims of their best course of action to protect their rights and recover compensation for their injuries, including medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost earnings or wages, pain and suffering, and other injuries related to the accident.

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James Walter Murphy, 55, of Wilton, was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday, November 9th on Highway 99, the Modesto Bee reported. The fatal crash occurred at about 9:55 a.m. north of 47th Avenue. According to news reports, a 17-year-old boy driving a Mercury Sable lost control of his vehicle and overcorrected into northbound lanes and collided with the motorcycle. Murphy was ejected from the bike. He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with major head injuries, where he died at about 11:30 a.m.

The 17-year-old driver of the Mercury fled the scene and ran south on 47th Avenue. CHP officers went to the teen's home in unincorporated Sacramento County. The teen was taken to the CHP office, where he was questioned and later released to his sister. According to news reports, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the fatal accident. Charges against the teen are still pending, but may include vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.

Cause of the Sacramento County Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fatal Highway 99 motorcycle accident is asked to call the South Sacramento CHP Office at (916) 681-2300, or CHP dispatch at (916) 861-1300. Regardless of what happened, the teen driver should not have left the scene of the crash - not stopping is against the law. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In accidents such as this one, if it is determined that the other driver caused the crash, the at-fault party or any other party responsible for the accident may be held civilly liable for their actions in a wrongful death claim. While the incident remains under investigation, he family of the victim of this accident would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Hit-and-run accidents have unique legal issues. It would be advisable for the victim's family to not delay in contacting an attorney, so that evidence can be preserved, and witness statements can be taken while witness recollections are most accurate. The family may be entitled to compensation for the victim's final medical care expenses, funeral and burial costs, anticipated future earnings, benefits and financial contributions the victim would have made, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

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Four people were tragically killed early Sunday morning in a fiery head-on collision on Highway 99 west of Oroville, the CHP reported. According to news reports, Ryan Finnerty, 21, of Roseville was driving southbound in a 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup on State Route 99, near State Route 62. At the same time, around 6 a.m. Sunday, Rodrigo Ramirez, 41, of Live Oak, was driving northbound on State Route 99. For reasons still under investigation, Finnerty reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Ramirez's Ford Explorer head-on. Both vehicles were estimated to be travelling about 60 miles per hour when they collided. The impact started a fire in Finnerty's truck that spread to the Explorer when the gas tank exploded. Bystanders pulled Finnerty from his car and an 11-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man from the Explorer, all of whom suffered major injuries. When Cal Fire crews distinguished the fire, they found four bodies in the Explorer. The victims were identified as Rodrigo Ramirez, Gustavo Martinez, Gabriella Rosas and Rigoberto Martinez, all of Live Oak.

Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of this multi-fatality accident in Butte County remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not known why the driver of the Dodge pickup swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with the Ford Explorer. Hopefully, the investigation will yield answers as to exactly what happened and why. If it is determined that the driver of the Dodge is responsible for causing this accident, he may be liable for the wrongful deaths of the four victims in the Ford Explorer, as well as the two people who suffered major injuries. In situations such as this one, while the cause of an accident is still under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting an experienced northern California car accident attorney. A skilled lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of multiple fatality accidents on state highways can help the victims' families protect their legal rights to hold the driver - or whoever was responsible for this accident - financially accountable for the devastation that this accident caused.

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An 18-year-old Mariposa woman may be responsible for a horrific head-on collision Saturday afternoon on Highway 140 that killed three people, the Sacramento Bee reported. The August 14th fatal head-on collision occurred when an eastbound Ford Bronco crossed over a double-yellow line into the westbound lanes around 3:10 p.m. on Highway 140, just east of Colorado Road in the Midpines area. The Bronco first struck a westbound Harley Davidson motorcycle and then a westbound Ford Escape. The two occupants of the motorcycle, Deana Smith, 39, and Michael Smith, 43, both of Chowchilla, were killed in the crash, along with the driver of the Ford Escape, Sharron Law, 56, of El Portal. The driver of the Bronco, Marissa Fuqua, 18, and three passengers in her vehicle were taken to the hospital with moderate to major injures.

Cause of the Highway 140 Accident

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and why the driver of the Bronco allowed her vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The CHP has reportedly ruled out drugs and alcohol as a contributing factor. On Monday, ABCNews reported that the CHP is investigating whether the crash may have been caused by distracted driving. Investigators have not elaborated on what they believe may have happened, and the investigation is ongoing.

Head-on Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the facts reported of this accident, the three people who died most likely could have done nothing to prevent this collision. While the triple fatal Mariposa County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California wrongful death lawyer about their legal rights as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney familiar with the liability issues of head-on collisions on state highways can help the family members of the three victims protect their rights to ensure justice is obtained for their sudden and heartbreaking loss. Although no amount of money could ever compensate for a death or ease the pain of a sudden loss, compensation can hold the at-fault party financially accountable for her actions and also provide for funeral and burial expenses, lost income of the decedents, as well as damages for loss of love, care, solace and companionship.

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A head-on collision Sunday afternoon on Highway 20 left two people with injuries, the CHP reported. The accident was reported at about 3:40 p.m. August 1st, west of Island Drive. Two vehicles were involved in the crash: an eastbound 1990 Chevy Prism and a westbound 1997 Toyota Tacoma. According to news reports, the driver of the Chevy, Robert Myers Jr. of Lakeport, allowed the vehicle to drift across double yellow lines and into the path of the Toyota pickup, driven by Mary Smothers of Willits. Smothers and a passenger in her vehicle were taken to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Highway 20 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the Highway 20 Clearlake Oaks head-on collision. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the eastbound Chevy caused this accident by allowing his vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. Why he allowed his vehicle to drift is not clear. According to the CHP both drivers were licensed, and all parties were wearing their seat belts. Alcohol was not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Auto Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the Chevy is determined to have caused this accident, he may be liable for the injuries of the two occupants of the Toyota. In situations such as this one, while the accident is ongoing, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak to a northern California personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented victims of Highway 20 accidents. A skilled accident attorney can help the victims protect their legal rights and recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries related to this accident, including damages for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

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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.

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A 22-year-old Chico woman tragically died Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision with a motor home in Lake County, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. Three vehicles were involved in the collision, which occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Highway 20 near Clear Lake, above the Paradise Cove subdivision. The collision involved a motorhome, a 2005 Chevy Equinox, and a 2009 full-size Chevy pickup truck. Investigators believe the westbound motorhome, driven by Eric Hunt, 73, drifted across double yellow lines and struck the eastbound Chevy Equinox head-on. The motorhome then struck the Chevy pickup truck driven by Claude Speegle, 57, of Winters.

The driver of the Chevy Equinox, Marina Bajczi, 22, died in the crash, the CHP reported. A 30-year-old man in her vehicle, Ruben Masso, 30, suffered major injuries. Claude Speegle, the driver of the pickup truck, suffered minor injuries, and Ernie Hunt, the driver and sole occupant of the motorhome suffered major injuries, including burns on more than one-fifth of his body. He was airlifted to a local hospital.

Head-On Collisions on Highway 20

A number of people have suffered death or serious injury in accidents on Highway 20 this year. On April 9th a 65-year-old Indiana woman died major collision in Lake County that left six other people seriously injured. The highway is especially dangerous because most of the 211 mile length of Highway 20 is a two-lane highway, although portions of the route in Grass Valley have been converted to freeway standards.

Potential Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of this accident is still under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in the Lake County News and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, it is not clear why the driver of the motorhome drifted into oncoming traffic. In situations such as this one, where another party is likely responsible for another person's wrongful death or serious injuries in a head-on collision, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a northern California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect their legal rights, and ensure they hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident.

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