Older Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on Highway 65
A head-on collision in Wheatland on September 26 killed a female driver, 73, when another vehicle crossed the centerline. The accident occurred along Highway 65 near Oakley Lane around 6:00 in the morning. Authorities with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the woman was heading north along the highway in a Toyota Corolla when a man in a Ford Explorer, 22, crossed over the line, which led to the accident.
One Person Died and Another Was Injured in Head-On Collision
The woman was killed in the accident, while the man suffered injuries described as moderate. The lanes were closed down while an investigation was undertaken by the CHP traffic crash detectives. Information was not provided on whether the driver of the Ford was detained or faces charges in the incident.
Negligence Causes in a Frontal Collision
There are many ways in which a head-on crash can occur, but most have to do with negligence on the part of the driver. Here are some ways a motorist’s negligent actions cause a crash head-on:
- Drunk driving is a major cause of a head-on collision.
- Distracted driving, as well as fatigue, can cause a motorist’s vehicle to slide into the opposing lane without the driver noticing until it’s too late.
- Speeding can contribute to a head-on crash, especially when going around a sharp curve because the driver loses control.
- Misplaced signage or confusing entrance ramps on a highway can lead to a frontal collision. The government entity charged with maintenance and design may be liable for damages in these cases. Since the time limit to file a government claim is six months, seeking help from an accident lawyer may be helpful.
- A defect in the vehicle’s brakes, accelerator, or other part can cause the driver to lose control and end up in the opposing lane. Retaining the vehicle is important in these cases, so an engineer can inspect the car/truck for defects. If a defective part causes a head-on collision, an auto product liability claim may be placed against the maker, manufacturer and others.
Placing a Claim for Wrongful Death
The spouse of the deceased as well as the children the decedent supported financially, may file a wrongful death claim in California. The recovery of damages may include the following:
- Wages the decedent would have earned until retirement is recoverable.
- The cost of the funeral and burial is recoverable.
- The spouse can recover compensation for the loss of consortium, love and companionship.
- Children may recover compensation for their loss of parental guidance in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Household tasks the decedent performed on a regular basis can be compensated.
In the video below, Ed Smith offers some tips to help you choose a personal injury lawyer:
Personal Injury Lawyer in Wheatland
I am Ed Smith. I’m a personal injury lawyer in Wheatland. It is possible for a family to avoid financial stress and obtain a sense of justice if a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence by filing a wrongful death claim. Please do not hesitate to call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for our accident attorneys’ compassionate, free, and friendly advice. You can also visit our website to get in touch with us online.
Being members of the following groups is a source of pride for our injury lawyers:
You can decide who to call if you need advice or representation when you have helpful information about a law firm. In light of this, we have included the following links:
Photo attribution: Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay
:cd llo [cs 628]