Fatality Reported in Head-On Crash on SR 55 Involving Multiple Vehicles
A head-on crash that involved multiple vehicles that may have involved bad weather was reported on December 27, northeast of Susanville. The accident occurred along State Route 44 (Feather Lake Highway) between Forest Route 32NO9 and Pine Creek around 5:19 p.m. Caltrans was called in to provide traffic control and chain restrictions were in place, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) accident report.
Investigation Underway to Determine Fault in Head-On Crash
Vehicles were blocking the middle of the roadway, including a van, a Ford F-150 pickup and a Buick. One vehicle had airbag deployment, however, the driver inside was not moving. One fatality and possible major injuries were reported. The CHP is carrying out an investigation to determine fault.
Fatalities in a Head-On Crash
Frontal collisions are among the most violent types of accidents and often lead to fatalities. The force of the impact can cause serious damage to both vehicles and potentially lead to occupant death or severe injury. These types of accidents often occur on two-lane roads with no median barrier or guardrails or on highways where drivers make unsafe lane changes.
Common Causes of a Frontal Impact Accident
Other common causes of head-on crashes include driver distraction, excessive speed, intoxication and reckless driving such as tailgating. Head-on collisions can also be caused by drivers who are fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel. In any case, these types of crashes result in devastating consequences and can have a lasting impact on the lives of those involved and their families.
Recovery of Compensation by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
An accident attorney can help a family recover compensation for their loss by helping them file a wrongful death claim against negligent parties that caused the collision. The lawyer can use investigators to determine the cause of the crash to hold negligent parties responsible. When multiple vehicles are involved, it is common for more than one motorist to have been negligent.
Once the evidence has been gathered, the lawyer can then use that information to prepare a wrongful death claim. Areas where compensation can be claimed include the following:
- Wages the decedent would have earned until retirement age can be recovered. Compensation includes their insurance and pension benefits, bonuses, tips and others they would have received. If the individual was self-employed, tax returns and employer records can be used to support their earnings.
- The cost of the funeral and burial expenses is recoverable.
- The spouse that survives may recover compensation for the loss of consortium, love and affection the decedent provided.
- Children in the family that the decedent provided at least 50 percent of support for may place a claim for the loss of nurturing and guidance they would have received.
- Loss of household assistance can be claimed, which includes help the decedent provided such as lawn care, cooking, tax preparation, and others.
Susanville Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Susanville personal injury lawyer. If you or a member of your family have been injured in an accident or lost a loved one due to negligence, you may be interested in pursuing a claim for compensation. Contact us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. We are also available online. Our free, no-obligation consultation can help you determine whether you are eligible for compensation, give you information about your options and answer any questions you may have.
Our California memberships include:
Visit the following links to find out how our injury lawyers have aided others:
Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
:cd llo [634]