CalTrans Starts Safety Construction Project in Butte County after Fatal Crash
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) began work on Highway 99 at the site of a fatal accident that took place in Butte County on Wednesday, June 10. The construction is being completed after the tragic incident inspired Butte County lawmakers to push for more drastic safety improvements at the intersection, which has been the site of numerous serious accidents in recent years.
The Collision
The tragic accident happened at the intersection of Highway 99 and Neal Road and involved six vehicles, including a big-rig and five passenger cars. During the crash, two people suffered fatal injuries. These individuals have since been identified as Lupe Ortiz and David Sims, both 55-year-old residents of the city of Los Molinos. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident occurred after the big-rig failed to slow down while approaching stopped traffic at the intersection. In addition to the two decedents, five other people were injured as a result of the crash. Officers are reportedly still investigating the cause of the accident.
The Project
Citing a nearly identical accident that took place just around a year earlier, Butte County Supervisors petitioned CalTrans to do more to protect drivers at the intersection. County official Bill Connelly stated that CalTrans has since promised improvements to the intersection that would be “implemented over several months.”
CalTrans crew began construction efforts on Saturday by installing rumble stripping and additional signage warning drivers of possibly slowed traffic. The rumble strips are meant to give drivers a tactile alert that forces them to notice that traffic conditions may soon change and to slow their speed. CalTrans reports that within the next thirty days, crews will be adding grooves into the pavement to further enhance the tactile alert system.
Residents Call for Further Changes
Residents of the area have indicated that they think the additional warning system may not be drastic enough of a change to protect area drivers. One resident told reporters that he thinks people in the area need to “keep fighting until (they) get an overpass.” However, plans to install an intersection have not yet been announced by CalTrans or county authorities.
Dangerous Roads and Wrongful Death
In cases where a dangerous roadway is determined to be partially or fully at-fault for an accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining that road can often be held financially responsible for damages incurred as a result of the collision. By filing wrongful death claims against government entities for defective or dangerous roads, families can often obtain the compensation they need to have financial stability during a very difficult time in their lives.
However, it’s important to know that claims involving government bodies have special restrictions that make them more difficult than other cases. Critically, these claims have to be filed within 180 days of the accident, leaving grieving families with a dramatically shorter window of time to take legal action. To understand how you can obtain compensation for your wrongful death damages, you should always make sure to get personal advice from an experienced Chico personal injury lawyer who has successfully resolved wrongful death cases.
Read more from Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer, Ed A. Smith
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- Local Nonprofit Promotes Chico Bike Safety
Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico wrongful death lawyer with over 38 years of experience handling fatal accident cases. For my free, friendly legal advice, you can reach me at (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400.
My firm has helped many people achieve the compensation they deserve through settlements and verdicts. The following websites include client reviews that you can read to learn more about me and my work from the people I have represented:
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