Elk Grove Man Dies in Pinole Crash
On Friday, January 8, 2021, an Elk Grove man sadly lost his life after being involved in a car accident in Contra Costa County. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident happened on a major highway and involved two vehicles. Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department officials identified the man as LaShun Curtis, a 46-year-old resident of Elk Grove. The incident remains under official investigation at this time.
Crash Details
The accident happened at around 12:35 a.m. on I-80 near Pinole Valley Road. Curtis was driving a 2007 Ford and was heading east. At the same time, a 78-year-old woman from Concord was driving westbound on the highway in a 2015 Toyota Camry. For reasons that investigators currently don’t understand, the Camry drifted over the highway median and entered eastbound lanes. After entering oncoming traffic, the Camry crashed head-on into the Ford, causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
Police stated that they had received a report shortly before the accident happened reporting that the Camry was driving in oncoming lanes near the Carquinez Bridge just outside of Vallejo.
Response
CHP dispatch immediately rushed responders to the location of the accident. When they reached the area, officials found that Curtis was trapped inside of his vehicle. Firefighters performed an emergency extrication in order to free him from the wreck.
Both drivers were determined to have sustained major injuries and were driven by ambulance to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Tragically, Curtis passed away while in hospital custody.
In addition to the two drivers, a 39-year-old woman who had been a passenger in the Ford also suffered injuries. Reports did not state whether or not she received hospital care.
Investigation Ongoing
While police conduct investigations, suspected causal factors haven’t been reported. However, officers did indicate that the 78-year-old woman had been reported to the Concord Police Department as missing before the collision occurred. Anybody who witnessed the incident or any of the events that preceded it is asked to contact CHP in order to help with investigations. Those with relevant information should call the CHP Martinez office by dialing (925) 646-4980.
Calling an Attorney
Investigating a fatal crash presents a major challenge to police. Investigators aren’t able to ask the decedent about what occurred, meaning that they may never find important evidence, leaving families unable to obtain compensation for their losses from at-fault parties and/or insurance companies.
For this reason, it’s critical that families reach out to a Vallejo wrongful death lawyer so that they can conduct a private accident investigation. Not only can a skilled attorney use their resources and skills to determine whether or not negligence was involved in the accident, but if you move forward with a wrongful death claim, your lawyer will be an invaluable part of making sure you receive fair payments for lost income, medical bills, and other damages.
Other Blogs by Elk Grove Wrongful Death Attorney, Ed A. Smith
- Intersection Crash in Elk Grove Leads to Injuries
- What is an Elk Grove Wrongful Death Lawyer?
- Elk Grove Trucking Crash Shuts Down Road
Elk Grove Wrongful Death Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. Collisions can be tragedies. If your family was affected by a deadly crash, please call us as soon as you are able. We are available at both (800) 404-5400 and (530) 392-9400.
Our team has been helping people living in Vallejo for more than 38 years. View the settlements and verdicts we’ve achieved. Also, read some of the reviews we’ve been given on:
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