Another Fatal Accident on Highway 70
On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 4, 2021, two people were killed in an accident on Highway 70 when their vehicle hit the rear of an SUV, then lost control and collided with a tree. The deceased parties were identified by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as a 20-year-old male and a 17-year-old male. Later reports indicate that the two young men were brothers from the Olivehurst area.
The pair had been traveling north on Highway 70 in the area of Olivehurst Avenue at approximately noon. The 20-year-old was at the wheel of a 1997 Honda Prelude, which was traveling at an unknown speed when the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and struck the rear of a Lincoln SUV that had been traveling at around 55 mph. This information came from a news release issued by the Yuba-Sutter office of the CHP.
After striking the Lincoln, the Honda swerved back onto the road before losing control and again veering onto the shoulder, at which point it struck a tree and came to rest next to the railroad tracks.
Details Within the CHP Report
The two occupants of the Honda Prelude sustained fatal blunt force injuries, according to the CHP’s traffic collision report. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Lincoln SUV, a 56-year-old man from Olivehurst named Ron Walline, did not sustain any serious injuries. The CHP report indicates that Mr. Walline pulled over to the side of the road and waited for first responders to arrive. The report also notes that all three parties involved in the collision had been wearing seat belts.
The Latest in a String of Highway 70 Accidents
It seems as though a serious accident has been happening almost weekly on Highway 70 in the last few months. Since February, we have reported on accidents that have occurred along the highway on the following dates:
Unfortunately, the injury and death toll on Highway 70 continues to rise with this latest tragedy that resulted in the death of two brothers.
Loss of Vehicle Control – Causes
The Honda Prelude involved in Tuesday’s accident lost control and left the roadway. This is a common cause of accidents. Some of the things that can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle include:
- Rainy weather conditions resulting in a slippery road surface
- Poor road conditions, loose gravel, or potholes, all of which can cause a skid
- Excessive speed, especially when executing a lane change or turn
- Mechanical problems including brake failure or a tire blowout
- Contact with another moving vehicle
According to information within the CHP report, it appears as though the Prelude may have first made contact with the SUV, which then caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below, posted by Consumer Reports, includes tips on how to regain control of a vehicle during a skid.
Marysville Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading. We are greatly saddened to report on this tragic accident, and our hearts go out to the grieving family of the two brothers. I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Marysville, California. The number of fatal car crashes that have been happening in our area is increasing as traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. For more than 38 years, my legal team and I have been strong advocates for injured Marysville residents, and for families who have lost loved ones. For compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice, please contact us at (530) 392-9400, or, from outside the local region, at (800) 404-5400.
To review some of our past case results, please see our verdicts and case settlements page. To read about what our clients think of our services, visit the links below:
Photo Attribution: pixabay
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