Fatal Head-On Collision Occurs Southeast of Sonora

State Route 20 Fatal Head-On Collision Occurs in Two-Vehicle Crash

A fatal head-on collision between two vehicles happened on May 29 near Sonora that resulted in one death. The accident happened on State Route 20 at Smith Station Road around 1:00 p.m. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and deputies with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office were at the scene. The two vehicles, both sedans, were left blocking both highway lanes. The investigation into the cause of the accident is being undertaken by the CHP traffic collision unit.

Causes of a Fatal Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions, among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Key causes include:

• Distracted driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces reaction times and decision-making abilities, leading to potential head-on collisions.
• Fatigue: Tired drivers are likely to drift into oncoming traffic, especially during long, monotonous drives or late-night travel.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or road obstructions.
• Incorrect passing: Attempting to overtake another vehicle without sufficient visibility or space can lead to dangerous encounters with oncoming traffic.
• Road design and conditions: Narrow roads, sharp curves, and lack of median barriers can contribute to the likelihood of a fatal head-on collision. If a lack of road maintenance or design causes a fatal head-on collision, a claim may be placed against the government entity in charge. The time limit to file is only six months, so getting help from an injury lawyer is recommended.

Wrongful Death Damages

Wrongful death damages can include but are not limited to, funeral and burial expenses, which cover the costs associated with laying the deceased to rest. Additionally, families may claim the lost wages the decedent would have earned up to their expected retirement age, providing financial stability for those left behind. They may also recover compensation for the lost pension and insurance benefits and other job perks.

Surviving spouses can seek restitution for the loss of the deceased’s love, companionship, consortium and guidance. The family’s children may recover compensation for the loss of the decedent’s nurturing and guidance. Compensation is also recoverable for the family’s loss of household assistance, including lawn and auto care, childcare, cleaning, cooking, and others. This type of compensation is recoverable because the family may now have to pay someone to do those chores.

In this video, personal injury lawyer Ed Smith explains wrongful death claims:

Sonora Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sonora wrongful death lawyer. We provide you with compassionate legal services if you or someone close to you has been killed due to another driver’s negligence. Our injury lawyers are dedicated to helping those affected by another person’s mistakes. For free and friendly advice, you can contact us on the phone at (209) 227-1931 or online through our website by calling (800) 404-5400.

We are proud to serve as members of some of the most prestigious groups in the legal field, including Million Dollar Advocates and Top 1 Percent. Our accident attorneys have a long track record of helping Northern California residents get the compensation they deserve after being injured in a traffic accident. We have been successful in cases involving Google, Settlements and Verdicts and Yelp. When you entrust your case to our accident attorneys, we will work hard to ensure that your rights are fully protected and that you receive the justice you deserve.

Photo attribution: Image by Katie Phillips from Pixabay

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