Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SHASTA COUNTY -- A firefighter was tragically killed and two others were injured along a freeway in Cottonwood. The firefighter, Captain Mark Ratledge, 35, of Cottowood, and a CHP officer were responding to an earlier crash that occurred earlier this morning.

According to Chico Enterprise Record, Ratledge, the officer, and one of the passengers in an earlier car accident were struck by a 2003 Chevy S-10 pickup truck around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 5, just near Shasta Livestock Auction Yard.

The Anderson Valley Post reported that the pickup truck, driven by 31-year-old Jared Schumaker of Redding, apparently lost control of his truck as he tried to avoid running into another vehicle that spun out on the slick and hailed-covered road.

Following this horrible accident, the three individuals struck by the pickup were taken to Mercy Hospital, where Ratledge was reported to have died from his injuries. The condition of the CHP and the other person hit, were not immediately available.

Cause of the Fatal I-5 Accident in Cottonwood

Even though multiple news reports did indicate slick roads were present due to hail, drivers should be fully aware of their surroundings and take the necessary precaution when driving on dangerous roads. Hopefully, authorities can determine whether or not speed or unsafe driving were contributing factors to the crash, along with who is ultimately responsible for this horrible accident.

Shasta County Accident Liability

While the accident on February 29th remains under investigation by authorities, the injured victims or the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised seek immediate consultation from a caring and compassionate Shasta County personal injury attorney. A lawyer with extensive knowledge and experience in accidents involving personal injury and wrongful death, can ensure the legal rights of the victims and the family of the deceased are protected, and that they are fully and fairly compensated for their injuries or their tragic and unexpected loss.

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COTTONWOOD - A pedestrian was reportedly struck by a motorcycle Tuesday night in Cottonwood, KRCRTV.com reported. The accident was reported on Main Street near the OK Corral at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011. According to hews accounts, a group of pedestrians was walking northbound on Main Street when one of them walked in front of a motorcycle that was also travelling northbound. The operator of the motorcycle and the pedestrian both suffered severe injuries and were taken to Mercy Medical Center.

The cause of this motorcycle vs. pedestrian accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, who will surely review witness reports, skid mark evidence, speed, the location of the pedestrian in the street when the collision occurred, and other factors in determining what happened, and who was responsible. If the pedestrian walked into the path of the motorcycle, the pedestrian may be responsible for causing this accident and may be liable for the serious injuries the motorcycle operator suffered. On the other hand, if the motorcyclist caused this crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries the pedestrian suffered. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation, the injured victim of would be well-advised to speak to an experienced northern California personal injury attorney who can help ensure rights to compensation are protected.

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SHASTA COUNTY - A 47-year-old Paynes Creek man died, and a 21-year-old Redding man was injured Thursday morning in a crash on Main Street in Cottonwood, the Red Bluff Daily News reported. The accident was reported at 10:54 a.m. According to news accounts the driver Shawn Malone, exited Interstate 5 to Main Street and lost control of his 1994 Lincoln Town Car. The car went off the road and became airborne before hitting a tree. Malone died in the collision; his passenger, James Smith, 21, of Redding, was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Redding with major injuries. The cause of the June 15th Shasta County accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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