Accident Fatality in Rio Vista on Highway 160
A crash near Rio Vista resulted in an accident fatality recently along Highway 160. According to officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred south of Three Mile Slough Bridge when a Nissan Frontier, driving north, went onto the shoulder at the right-hand side of the road and hit a disabled flatbed truck that was parked there. The impact of the crash sent both trucks reeling, caused both cars to exit the road and tumble down an embankment. The vehicles caught on fire and caused about half an acre of grass to burn in addition. The driver of the Nissan was declared dead at the accident scene.
A Sig Alert was issued by the CHP that all lanes but one were shut down at 5:19 in the morning and remained in effect until around 9:40 a.m. Firefighters from Rio Vista arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze and help extricate the body of the person who died in the crash. Drivers were advised to look for alternate routes. It is unknown at the time of this report whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident.
Investigation of an Accident Fatality
An experienced lawyer can help the family who lost their loved one by investigating the accident if negligence caused the death. In order to place a claim for wrongful death, it must be shown that a duty of care was owed to the deceased person, that negligence caused the death and that the family suffered a financial loss. Our investigators head to the scene of the accident and examine the police report for errors as well as interview witnesses to the crash.
Looking for Additional Evidence
From performing crash reconstruction to subpoenaing video records from nearby traffic cameras, our investigators do an excellent job of collecting evidence to prove negligence. In this way, a strong case for the recovery of damages can be built to negotiate with the insurance company or prepare a case for court. Although it will not bring back a loved one, it can help the family through the financial stress of that loss.
Run-Off Road Accidents
Run-off road accidents are commonly caused by driver error, however, not all the time. Some accidents of this type can be attributed to the following:
- Mechanical defects: Defective brakes, accelerator, or the steering wheel can contribute to an accident fatality. The manufacturer, distributor, and others can be held financially liable if a fatality occurs. Defective airbags that deploy at the wrong time can also end up causing an accident fatality.
- Aggressive drivers: Some drivers can take aggressive actions toward others that endanger them. Actions can include cutting in and out of traffic, tailgating, and other types of reckless driving. At the extreme, an aggressive driver or someone with road rage can intentionally force another vehicle off the street, causing an accident fatality.
- In some cases, poor roadway maintenance or bad design can contribute to an accident fatality. In such cases, the government agency responsible can be held accountable.
Related Articles by Rio Vista Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer Ed Smith:
Rio Vista Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rio Vista car accident lawyer. Not all single-vehicle accidents are caused by driver error, and it is the job of a personal injury lawyer to discover the true cause. If you lost a loved one or were injured in an accident caused by negligence, phone me for my free and friendly advice at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is also available at AutoAccident.com.
I am honored to belong to the following groups:
I’ve helped many residents of Rio Vista and Northern California since 1982 to obtain fair compensation for their personal injuries. Areas I work in, in addition to wrongful death, include brain injuries and all kinds of traffic collisions.
You can find out more about my law practice by looking over comments and reviews by my previous clients and a synopsis of cases my firm has handled at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/roses-morning-mist-cemetery-61203/
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