Deadly Head-On Crash in Kyburz
On the afternoon of Thursday, July 8, 2021, a 40-year old man from Sacramento was killed in an auto accident near Kyburz, California, on Highway 50. He was later identified by officials as Juan Lorzano. The head-on collision also injured a couple from Gardnerville, Nevada.
Details of the Kyburz Accident
According to investigators from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), at around 2:20 p.m., Mr. Lorzano was behind the wheel of a 2004 GMC Sierra. He was coming out of a curve in the road when he let his truck veer over the double-yellow lane divider lines into oncoming traffic. In the opposite lane was the Woodcock family, with husband and father Travis at the wheel. He attempted to maneuver his 2007 Ram 2500 out of the way of the Sierra but was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicles crashed head-on within the eastbound lane of Highway 50.
The CHP report states that the impact resulted in a “massive intrusion” into the GMC Sierra’s driver compartment, and Mr. Lorzano received fatal injuries.
Travis Woodcock and his wife Christine were transported to Marshall Hospital for trauma evaluation and treatment. Thankfully, their two young children were uninjured.
GoFundMe Established for Woodcock Family
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Woodcock Family with expenses following this terrible accident. The post indicates that the family had been coming home from a vacation. Mr. Woodcock suffered numerous fractures and lacerations and will be unable to work for several months. Mrs. Woodcock was ultimately diagnosed with a lumbar spine avulsion fracture after having experienced excruciating back pain since the accident.
Recovering Lost Income After an Accident
When a primary breadwinner is unable to work due to injuries, it can take an enormous financial toll on the family. While there is usually some form of temporary disability income available, it is often only a portion of the prior paycheck, and usually not sufficient to cover the family’s regular expenses. Along with help from the community via a crowdfunding site, there may be the option to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Although the other driver in this instance, unfortunately, did not survive the accident, if the vehicle he was driving was insured as required by law, the policy will still apply to pay for damages incurred by the Woodcock family. Additionally, if the family maintained uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their vehicle with limits higher than the liability limits of Mr. Lorzano’s policy, that will be another possible source of financial recovery.
Categories of damages in a personal injury case may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment related to the injuries suffered in the accident – past, and future
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium – these damages are paid to the spouse of the injured person as compensation for the adverse effect the accident and injuries had on the marital relationship. If both spouses are injured, such as in this Kyburz accident, each would have a potential loss of consortium claim related to the other’s injuries.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a clip with tips on what to do following an automobile accident.
Placerville Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading our report on this recent accident in Kyburz, California. I’m Ed Smith, a Placerville personal injury lawyer. Car accidents occur every day on Highway 50, and many of them cause serious injuries, even wrongful deaths. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck caused by the negligence of another driver, the experienced injury lawyers at our firm may be able to help you obtain monetary compensation for your damages. There is no need to deal with insurance adjusters on your own while you are trying to recover from your injuries. A skilled attorney will ensure that the value of your claim is maximized. For our free and friendly legal advice, call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
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