Fatal Crash Near St. Helena
I’m Ed Smith, a St. Helena car accident lawyer. On Wednesday, August 30, 2017, an auto accident on Highway 29 north of St. Helena left a Napa County woman with fatal injuries. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office identified the woman as Isabel Driscoll, a 66-year-old resident of nearby Calistoga.
We extend our condolences to the family members and friends of Ms. Driscoll during this difficult time of loss.
Accident Details
Authorities from California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident occurred at about 1:45 p.m. north of the intersection at Bale Lane. Driscoll had reportedly been driving a 2000 Volkswagen on the northbound section of the highway and made a left turn that put her into the path of an oncoming southbound 2005 Chevrolet driven by a 66-year-old male resident of Sonoma.
CHP indicated that the front of the oncoming Chevrolet struck the right side of Driscoll’s vehicle at a high rate of speed.
Injuries and Response
CHP dispatched emergency responders to the crash after receiving a call reporting major traumatic injuries. Upon arrival, responders found that Driscoll had received fatal injuries during the impact and pronounced her deceased at the scene. The driver of Chevrolet reportedly suffered deep cuts on both of his arms. Whether or not the man was hospitalized has not yet been reported.
We send our hope for a full and speedy recovery for the injured motorist.
Additionally, no other people or vehicles were reported to have been a part of this collision.
Investigation
CHP currently has this accident under active investigation. Officers are attempting to determine what factors may have contributed to the collision including distracted driving, roadway defects, faulty vehicle parts, and more. CHP has not made any statement as to whether or not they suspect drunken driving to have been involved in the collision.
Broadside Accidents
Broadside accidents are extremely dangerous. Cars are typically designed with frontal collisions in mind; impacts with the side of a car usually leave vehicle occupants with very little protection.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety estimates that around 51 percent of auto accident fatalities are due to T-bone crashes between passenger vehicles. When SUVs and trucks are figured into the estimate, the figure is closer to 60 percent.
Common Broadside Accident Factors
There are certain collision factors that are statistically related to broadside collisions. Some of these factors include traveling through intersections, drivers ignoring red-lights, obstructed traffic signs, partial ejection through a vehicle window, and laterally colliding with a pole or tree.
Injuries that are commonly sustained in broadside accidents include skull fractures, neck injuries, pelvic fractures, head or brain injuries, and injuries to the torso.
Wrongful Death
When somebody that you love dies, it can feel totally overwhelming. Those going through the mourning process often find dealing with the legal aspects of a wrongful death suit to be difficult or even impossible. Calling a lawyer to help you won’t ease your pain, but can help you to recover for damages such as loss of income, loss of consortium, and more.
More from St. Helena Car Accident Lawyer Ed Smith
St. Helena Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a St. Helena car accident lawyer with over three decades of experience. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one because of a negligent driver, call (707) 564-1900 to receive my friendly advice. If you are outside the area code, you can call (800) 404-5400, without toll. You can also reach me online at AutoAccident.com.
St. Helena residents with wrongful death and personal injury claims have trusted me to assist them in recovering what they are owed since 1982.
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