A 44-year-old Laytonville woman died Wednesday night in a head-on collision on Highway 101, north of its juncture with Highway 271 in Humboldt County, authorities reported. T
he July 21st accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m., and involved a northbound Subaru Forester and a southbound Toyota 4Runner.
According to news reports in the Ukiah Daily Journal and Times-Standard, Saskia Martin, 37, of Benbow, was driving a Subaru Forester northbound on Highway 101, behind a slow moving big rig truck.
When Martin attempted to pass the truck, she saw a bicycle lying in the lane directly in front of her, which caused her to slam the brakes and swerve into the southbound lane.
Martin lost control of the Subaru and the vehicle spun into the path of a southbound Toyota 4-Runner driven by Tonia Evans, 44, of Laytonville. The Subaru and the 4-Runner collided, resulting in the SUV rolling several times. Tonia Evans died of her injuries at the scene of the crash. Her husband and passenger, Allen Evans, 52, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Martin complained of pain to her neck and left arm.
This horrific accident is absolutely heartbreaking. Our condolences go out to the family of Tonia Evans and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.
Cause of the Crash
If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by an unsafe maneuver made by the driver of the Subaru Forester, resulting in her northbound vehicle entering southbound lanes into the path of the 4Runner. The Times-Standard reported that the CHP continues to investigate whether drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Authorities recovered the apparently abandoned bicycle from the crash scene.
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability
In situations such as this one, where another driver's negligent driving is determined to be the cause of a fatal crash, the injured parties and family members of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim. While the CHP is investigating the crash, the family members would be well-advised to speak to a northern California wrongful death lawyer about this accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled attorney can help the victims' of this crash protect their rights and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.
Sources: Ukiah Daily Journal, Times-Standard
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