Mendocino County Auto Accident Kills Two

Police have reported that two people lost their lives in a Mendocino County auto accident that took place near Fort Bragg on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The accident involved a single vehicle and went unnoticed until the wreck was discovered by a passerby two days after the crash occurred. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office authorities have since identified the decedents as Gualala residents Diane Maxwell, a 52-year-old woman, and Alan Ricioli, a 52-year-old man. California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating the crash.

Crash Information

Maxwell had been driving a 2014 Mini Cooper with Ricioli as her passenger. The pair were heading south on Old Stage Road a short distance north of Gualala Court at about 10:00 p.m. According to police, the Cooper veered left and crossed over the road’s median. Eventually, the vehicle traveled through northbound lanes and drove off the road, crashing into a tree.

The wreck went unnoticed until about 11:10 a.m. when a passing driver saw the car and called police for help. When responders arrived at the crash scene, they found that both Maxwell and Ricioli had passed away as a result of the injuries they sustained during the collision.

Investigation

Police have said that driver intoxication is not a suspected factor in this accident. The roadway was closed for hours after police located the vehicle while officers conducted preliminary investigations. However, no reports on what may have caused the accident have been issued. Single-vehicle crashes can be difficult to investigate, especially when no involved parties can offer a testimony about what happened. In these cases, it’s important to make sure that the case is fully investigated by getting in touch with a wrongful death lawyer who knows how to find out whether or not any negligence was involved in the accident.

Losing a Loved One

Car accidents happen suddenly and the emotional impact they cause can be overwhelming. Learning that someone you care about was killed during an accident often leaves people feeling confused, depressed, angry, or even numb and disconnected from the people around them. These feelings are normal, and most people are able to learn how to cope with their grief over time. However, it’s important not to let these issues keep you from calling an attorney and making sure that you and your family recover the payments you deserve for your losses.

Negligent parties usually don’t face the same personal issues that the families of decedents do. For this reason, those who can be held liable are typically quick to take action to defend their interests. I believe that, while a loved one can never be replaced, families deserve to receive compensation for their personal suffering and financial damages, such as loss of income, funeral bills, and other costs. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better they can make sure you and your loved ones are fully compensated for all of the losses you’ve dealt with.

More Articles by Ed Smith, Fort Bragg Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fort Bragg Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Fort Bragg wrongful death lawyer. When fatal accidents happen, it can leave families in a very difficult situation. To get free, friendly advice about your case, please reach out to me by calling (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.

Since 1982, I have been working with families in Fort Bragg and other cities in Mendocino County, helping them claim fair settlements and verdicts for wrongful death damages. Before you call me, you may want to look at my profiles on these sites where you can find reviews from my previous clients:

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Mendocino County Auto Accident Kills Two