Fatality Occurs When Driver Drifts Out of Lane on State Route 32
A head-on collision involving two vehicles occurred on State Route 32 in the area of Forest Ranch, northeast of Chico, on July 27. The accident occurred around 3:00 p.m. near Nopel Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report. A 74-year-old Forest Ranch woman was allegedly going east along the highway and drifted over into the lane going west, colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by a Chico man, age 87.
Major Injuries and Fatality Reported in Head-On Collision
While the woman suffered major injuries and was taken for treatment to Enloe Medical Center, the man from Chico died in the collision. The name of the deceased man has not yet been released. It is unknown whether impairment or distracted driving contributed to the crash, which is under investigation by the CHP traffic accident unit.
Head-On Collisions and Their Causes
A variety of factors can cause head-on crashes. These include:
- Distractions: Distracted drivers often drive the wrong way in one-way lanes because they are distracted by talking on the phone, texting, or changing the radio station. This momentary distraction can make a driver drift into another lane, causing a head-on collision.
- Reckless driving: During reckless driving, one moves into an oncoming lane or passes in a no-passing zone despite warnings that the maneuver is not permitted.
- Fatigue: A driver who nods off behind the wheel can have serious repercussions, particularly on busy highways and roads.
- Impaired driving: When driving while under the influence of alcohol, judgment and comprehension are impaired, making driving more challenging. The consequences of drunk driving often include devastating accidents as drunk drivers edge into oncoming lanes and cause a frontal accident.
- Roadway negligence: Many cities have unclear or missing road signs, potholes and other maintenance problems because of government negligence. In the event that this problem results in an accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining roads and signage could be responsible. It may be prudent to use an injury lawyer to handle a government claim since the statute of limitations is only six months.
Investigating a Head-On Collision
Frontal collisions are violent accidents. The impact can also damage vehicles in adjacent lanes. Investigators must visit the accident scene to determine liability. Every case requires evidence to recover compensation, whether in a personal injury claim or a wrongful death.
Our investigation team will be dispatched as soon as possible. In order to determine liability, they reconstruct the accident and search the area for evidence. As part of their work, they also review police reports for errors and obtain video from surveillance cameras. Our investigators interview witnesses for additional information. The data we collect helps our injury lawyers create compelling cases for our clients.
Here’s what injury lawyer Ed Smith says you should look for in an attorney:
Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Chico personal injury lawyer. If you have been injured as a result of negligence, we offer free, friendly advice at (530) 392-9400. Our toll-free number is (800) 404-5400. A free consultation with one of our accident attorneys can be arranged if you want to recover compensation for your losses. We are available online also.
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