Fatal Roadway Departure Crash Occurs Near Bogue Road
A driver through the Franklin school district west of Yuba City lost their life on September 13 in a roadway departure crash. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the crash as occurring around 7:33 a.m. at Bogue and Clements roads. According to the accident report, the vehicle reportedly took a curve too fast and went into a ditch.
Firefighters Extricate Driver From Submerged Vehicle
The vehicle became submerged with the driver still inside. A tow truck was called to pull the vehicle out, and firefighters extricated the driver, who was deceased. Clements Road was shut down in both directions as the accident scene was cleared.
Roadway Departure Crash Being Investigated
The roadway reopened around 9:16 a.m. The name of the deceased driver will be released by the County Coroner once the family receives notification. The investigation into the accident is being performed by the CHP traffic collision unit.
Reasons why a roadway departure accident may occur include the following:
- Mechanical failure: Malfunctioning brakes or steering mechanisms can cause an unexpected shift in direction, potentially leading to a head-on collision. When mechanical failure is due to a defect, damages may be recovered by filing an auto product liability claim.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, pavement upheavals and other road hazards can cause vehicles to veer off course, leading to a head-on crash. A claim may be filed against the government entity whose responsibility is proper road maintenance. The time limit for filing a government claim is six months, so getting help from an injury lawyer may be advised. In addition, if a mechanical defect is suspected, retaining the vehicle is essential so it can be examined.
- Interference by another driver: A hit-and-run or aggressive driver can be the cause of a roadway departure crash.
Roadway Departure Accidents
Most of the time, a roadway departure accident is caused by some error by the driver. However, additional dangers can cause a driver to lose control and exit the roadway, resulting in severe trauma or fatalities. They include:
- Auto defects: An unexpected shift in direction can be caused by a malfunctioning brake or steering mechanism, resulting in an off-road collision. Auto product liability claims can be filed when a mechanical failure is caused by a defect.
- Poor roadway maintenance: Poor road conditions may result in a roadway departure accident as a result of potholes, pavement deterioration, and other road hazards. An action can be brought against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. Getting help from an injury lawyer is recommended if you want to file a government claim because the time limit in which to place one is only six months. The vehicle should also be retained if there is a suspicion of a mechanical defect.
- Roadway departure crashes can be caused by hit-and-runs or aggressive drivers. The presence of tread marks, paint, metal or plastic pieces left at the accident scene can help an injury lawyer prove that the accident occurred.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, you may find the following tips from accident attorney Ed Smith helpful:
Yuba City Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith. As a Yuba City personal injury lawyer, I represent injured clients. If your loved one died in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you might want to investigate whether your family can pursue a wrongful death claim. If you would like to receive free and friendly advice, please call the following numbers (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 to get in touch with one of our accident attorneys. Please feel free to contact us using our online form as well.
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Photo attribution: Image by Rico Löb from Pixabay
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