Man From Yuba City Dies in Highway 99 Accident
Local California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers reported that a man from Yuba City passed away during an area car accident on Sunday, January 5, 2020. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office released the identity of the decedent a few days later, identifying him as 22-year-old Michael Lizarraga. In addition to Lizarraga, two other people suffered injuries during the collision. Updates on the conditions of the injured parties remain unavailable, and the accident is still being officially investigated.
Collision Details
CHP reports indicate that the collision happened in the early morning at around 1:25 a.m. on the northbound side of Highway 99. A 19-year-old man had been driving a vehicle with two passengers, Lizarraga in the front and a 24-year-old man in the back seat. Allegedly, the vehicle was traveling at around 75 miles per hour when the driver lost control of the vehicle, veering to the left and crossing over the highway median and eventually off the southbound side of the road. As the car entered the highway shoulder, the vehicle overcorrected and swerved right. According to police, the vehicle then overturned and rolled several times.
Police said that the driver and Lizarraga were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. When the emergency staff arrived at the scene of the collision, they found that the driver suffered a fractured collarbone and lacerations on his head and arms. The back-seat passenger was found with lacerations on his hands. Lizarraga had sustained critical injuries. Sadly, he passed away at the scene. A GoFundMe page has been created by the family of Mr. Lizarraga to help cover his funeral expenses.
Investigation
As police continue to investigate this collision, officers have stated that they do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved. CHP reports have indicated that fatigued driving may have been a factor. Often, collisions like this one can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which lie outside of the control of drivers. These can include dangerous defects in the road, auto parts that malfunction, and more.
Rollover Accidents
Statistics from the NHTSA show that rollover collisions account for around ten percent of all fatal crashes even though only around two percent of accidents involve a rollover. This shows that rollovers are significantly more likely to involve a fatal accident than other kinds of crashes.
There are a few reasons that rollovers tend to be so dangerous. One of the key reasons is that many vehicle roofs are not able to withstand an impact, which can lead to roof crush injuries. When this happens, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be considered negligent and held liable for damages after an accident.
Calling a Lawyer
Many people feel totally overwhelmed after they’ve lost somebody they love in a sudden accident. Processing your grief can take time and support from your family and community. However, liable parties are typically quick to take action defending themselves from liability, so it’s important to get in touch with an attorney as soon as you can.
More Content by Ed Smith, Yuba City Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Truck Crash in Yuba City Leaves One Dead
- How a Yuba City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
- Hit-and-Run in Yuba City Kills Cyclist
Yuba City Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Yuba City wrongful death lawyer. Collisions are often serious. If somebody you love died during a crash, please call me as soon as you can for my free, friendly advice. I’m available at (800) 404-5400 and locally at (530) 392-9400.
I’ve been helping people in Yuba City and nearby areas for more than 38 years. See how my clients have recovered compensation after accidents by looking at the settlements and verdicts my firm has achieved. Also, see our many client reviews at:
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