An 85-year-old Rodeo woman died following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 29 over Memorial Day weekend, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. According to news reports, Helen R. Valentine, 85, was a passenger in a 2001 Toyota Corolla driven by Angelo Accurso, 85, of Hidden Valley Lake.
While attempting a turn from westbound Hartmann Road onto Highway 29, Accurso's Corolla was struck by a southbound 1998 Ford Windstar van driven by Vidal Montanez, 51, of Clearlake. The crash occurred at around 8:30 a.m. May 29th. Montanez was not injured in the collision. Both Valentine and Accurso were flown by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Valentine died of her injuries; Accurso suffered a broken hip. The cause of the collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Highway 29 Accidents
Last August, two people died in an accident on Highway 29 at Spruce Grove Road, about two miles away from the location of the May 29th accident. In January of this year, a 82-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 29/Highway 128 in Napa County.
Possible Wrongful Death Liability Considerations
Intersection accidents on state highways have unique legal issues. If the design of the intersection or a dangerous road condition caused or contributed to the collision, the public agency responsible for maintaining the intersection may be liable. On the other hand, if the driver of the van or the driver of the sedan caused this crash, they may be liable for the wrongful death of the passenger. Compensation in a wrongful death claim may include monetary damages for final medical expenses, funeral costs and loss of love, care and companionship.
Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this crash occurred or what exactly happened. In any situation where an auto accident results in the death of a passenger, family members of the victim are well-advised to consult with a California car accident attorney about their rights in a wrongful death claim. An attorney can oversee the investigation by law enforcement and help the family determine what happened and who was responsible, as well as recover the damages they may be entitled to in a wrongful death claim.
Sources: Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Lake County Record-Bee, Lake County News
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