California Injury Lawyer Blog

A 61-year-old Grass Valley man died Saturday in a horrific head-on collision on Hammonton-Smartville Road in Linda, the Appeal Democrat reported. The accident occurred at 1:05 p.m., west of Bryden Road. According to news reports, Thomas Whitman of Grass Valley was driving a 1999 Hyundai east on Hammonton-Smartville, while at the same time, a 2001 Toyota driven by a 17-year-old Olivehurst boy, was travelling west. The CHP believes the Olivehurst teen, who was not identified, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to drift over the center line into the eastbound lane.

Whitman reportedly swerved the Hyundai to attempt to avoid the collision, while at the same time the teenager jerked the Toyota back into the westbound lane. The two vehicles collided head-on. Whitman died of his injuries at the scene of the accident. The 17-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries. An 18-year-old passenger and a 12-year-old passenger, both from Winton, suffered major injuries. The two teens were taken to Rideout Medical Center, and the younger boy was flown to UC Davis Medical Center.

Cause of the Fatal Yuba County Crash

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal July 11th head-on collision in Yuba County. However, if news reports are accurate, the teenage driver of the Toyota likely caused this collision, by making a lane departure into oncoming traffic, and triggering the events that led to the fatal head-on collision.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability Issues

When another driver causes a fatal collision, that driver may be liable for the wrongful death of the other driver in a wrongful death claim. In this case, if it is determined that the teen driver in the Toyota caused this crash, he may be liable for the death of Thomas Whitman, as well as the serious injuries of the two other occupants of his vehicle. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights, and ensure everything is done to recover maximum compensation for the victims' wrongful death and serious injuries as a result of this accident.