Head-On Crash in Chico Causes Deadly Trauma
On Saturday, March 14, 2020, a head-on crash in Chico left one person with fatal trauma. The decedent’s identity is currently being withheld by the Butte County Sheriff’s Department, pending the notification of their family. In addition to the decedent, two other people sustained major trauma during the crash and were in hospital care at the time of reporting. Updates on their conditions have not been made available.
Crash Details
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers indicated that this crash occurred on Highway 99 just north of the city of Chico at around 12:00 p.m. Police stated that a Toyota 4Runner was driving south on the highway when it veered right for unknown reasons. As the vehicle swerved, it entered the highway shoulder and apparently attempted to correct its course. However, the vehicle overcorrected and traveled into northbound traffic, striking a Toyota Camry head-on. Both vehicles reportedly overturned as a result of the impact.
CHP was contacted by accident witnesses about the collision and immediately dispatched an emergency response team to the accident location. As responders reached the scene of the incident, they found that the Camry driver had been fatally injured. Sadly, the driver was declared deceased on-site. Both occupants of the 4Runner were rushed to the Enloe Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Investigation
Both northbound and southbound lanes of the highway were closed for around three hours while response and initial investigations were underway. While no suspected factors have been reported, police have indicated that they do not believe drugs or alcohol to have played a role in causing this crash.
When drivers pass away in a collision, investigators lose access to their testimony. This often means that police overlook important evidence during the investigation, leaving families unable to hold negligent parties responsible for damages. By working with a wrongful death lawyer who can privately investigate the crash, you can ensure that the collision is investigated to the fullest extent.
Rollover Accidents
When vehicles overturn, it frequently leaves occupants with serious injuries. In many cases, this happens because the roof of the vehicle isn’t able to withstand the force of an impact and crumples. This often leaves vehicle occupants with “roof crush injuries” that could have been prevented if the vehicle was manufactured differently.
In cases involving roof crush injuries or other vehicle product issues, the manufacturer of the vehicle can often be held responsible for damages caused during accidents.
Getting Help
After losing a loved one, families are often overwhelmed. The process of grieving can be difficult and often makes it difficult for people to deal with the demands of their regular lives. Furthermore, a sudden death in your household can also mean losing income and/or access to important services. In order to recover for these damages and more, it’s important to reach out to a local wrongful death lawyer for help. Your attorney will be able to handle your case for you, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on healing during a difficult period.
Other Blogs from Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer, Ed Smith
- Bicycling and Staying Safe on Chico Roads
- How a Chico Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
- Chico Car Crash Kills Motorcyclist
Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico wrongful death lawyer. Please give me a call at either (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 so I can give you free, friendly advice about your wrongful death case.
My team and I have worked with people from Chico on wrongful death cases for well over 38 years. To learn about our history of helping area residents, see our past settlements and verdicts as well as our client reviews on:
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