A Deadly Saturday in Lake County
Two accidents occurred on highways in Lake County on Saturday, July 31st. Sadly, both resulted in fatalities. An officer from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that a 51-year-old man from Hidden Valley Lake, William Wight, died in the first crash. The Clear Lake Area office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash happened at around 8:37 a.m. Saturday morning. The crash location was south of Mirabel Road on Highway 29 in Middletown.
Details of the Saturday Morning Accident
A large International box truck that was carrying mail was traveling north on Highway 29. It was being driven by a 34-year-old man from Roseville. At the same time, Mr. Wight was driving a 2020 Ford pickup truck southbound on the stretch of highway. The commercial truck driver allowed his vehicle to veer off the east edge of the road for unknown reasons. When he moved to re-enter the road, he lost control, crossed both lanes of traffic, and broadsided the Ford pickup on the west shoulder, where Mr. Wight had moved in an attempt to avoid the collision.
According to the CHP, Mr. Wight was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the commercial truck sustained minor injuries.
The CHP has not found any indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the tragic collision. From the details released, it sounds like Mr. Wight suffered a wrongful death due to the negligent actions of the commercial truck driver.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below explains a bit about wrongful death legal actions.
Saturday Afternoon Accident in Lake County
Later that same day, the CHP reported that a 31-year-old Ukiah woman, Brittany Turner, was killed in a head-on collision that occurred on Highway 20 west of Blue Lakes Road. This terrible accident happened at around 2:50 p.m.
Ms. Turner had been driving eastbound on Highway 20 in a 1997 Mazda Protege. She was carrying one passenger, Patrick Turner, 34 years old, from Ukiah. At the same time, an 18-year-old from Redwood Valley, Robert Fetzer, was driving a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta westbound on that stretch of highway. He had one passenger, a 19-year-old from Ukiah, Taylor Travis, according to the CHP.
For reasons still undetermined, the Mazda driven by Ms. Turner crossed over the solid yellow lane dividers and crashed head-on into the Jetta. Both vehicles were rendered disabled within the westbound lane.
First responders extricated Ms. Turner from the Mazda. They performed life-saving measures, but she tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Mr. Turner, who reportedly was unrestrained, suffered major injuries. The two occupants of the Jetta sustained injuries as well.
The CHP indicated that they have not found a reason to suspect that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the Saturday afternoon crash.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Clearlake
Hello, and thank you for reading. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Clearlake personal injury lawyer. We are always saddened to report on fatal car crashes and last weekend, with two in the county, was especially tough. For more than 38 years, our firm has been advocating for injured Lake County residents. We have also represented too many grieving families who have lost loved ones in deadly accidents. If you or your family has questions following a terrible car crash, give us a call. We are available to offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Our local number is (707) 564-1900. We also provide a toll-free line if you will be calling from a different area code: (800) 404-5400.
To learn more about our firm and the services we offer, please see our settlements and verdicts page, and visit the following links for our client reviews:
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