Accident on Highway 49 Caused by Falling Tree
A falling tree accident fatality occurred in Nevada County on April 11 when it toppled onto a highway. A Marysville woman, 79, died in the accident from severe head injuries when her Nissan Rogue was crushed by the tree, and three other vehicles were struck. The accident occurred along Highway 49 close to La Barr Meadows around 1:00 p.m., according to the Grass Valley office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Four Vehicles Struck, Resulting in Accident Fatality
According to the accident report, the woman in the Nissan and those in 2005 and 2010 Honda Accords driven by Grass Valley residents, and a Ford Escape, carrying a Cameron Park woman, were going along Highway 49 when the big conifer fell across the highway. The Hondas were going south on Highway 49 while the other two vehicles were in the northbound lanes. The Nissan took the brunt of the tree’s impact. The driver of the older Honda, identified as a Grass Valley woman, Carla Viera, age 54, suffered major injuries in the accident and was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for additional treatment.
Weather Conditions May Have Contributed to Falling Tree Accident Fatality
A section of Highway 49 remained closed as the tree and vehicles were cleared from the falling conifer accident scene. The incident happened during a period of high winds and rain that struck Northern California. Neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the accident, according to the CHP. The Grass Valley office of the CHP is asking that anyone who saw the accident phone them at (530) 477-4900.
Liability in a Falling Tree Accident Along a Highway or Other Public Road
Determining liability involving a falling tree accident can be tricky when it occurs along a public highway. Liability depends on whether the tree was located on private property, which would make the owner liable or whether it was growing on the public space of a state highway, which would involve Caltrans. Contacting a tree accident lawyer can be helpful because an investigation can be conducted to determine liability when an injury or accident fatality occurs.
Tree Clearing Along Highway 49
In early January 2022, Caltrans announced that due to the risk of trees falling on highways because of heavy snow accumulation, saturated ground, and high winds, they were sending out contracted crews to remove those that could be a danger to drivers using the highway. The work was scheduled to be performed during the month of January. Motorists were warned that one-way traffic control would be in effect while those trees were being cut down and removed. Among the areas listed were:
- State Route 49 in the area from La Barr Meadows Road to McKnight Way in Grass Valley
- State Route 49 from Nevada City to the separation for State Route 89
Wrongful Death Claims and the Recovery of Damages
By filing a wrongful death claim, the family or administrator of the estate may recover the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The surviving spouse may recover loss of consortium and care the deceased provided
- Wages until the normal age of retirement, including pension and insurance benefits, bonuses, etc.
- Children in the family may recover the loss of nurturing and guidance the deceased provided
- Loss of inheritance is recoverable in some cases
- Loss of household help such as food or tax preparation, childcare and others
Grass Valley Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Grass Valley wrongful death lawyer. When an accident or faulty road maintenance costs the life of your loved one, the family might want to find out if they can place a wrongful death claim. You are welcome to contact our injury lawyers for their free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available also.
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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