California Injury Lawyer Blog

A 36-year-old Victorville woman died Monday in a crash on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County, the Victorville Daily Press said. The victim, Patricia Rodriguez, was a passenger in a 2003 GMC Yukon travelling south on Highway 395. According to news reports, at about 12:12 p.m., about two miles south of Bear Valley Road, the driver of the Yukon, Sergio Rodriguez, swerved to avoid rear-ending a slow-moving Chrysler PT Cruiser and apparently overcorrected. The SUV overturned several times and came to rest on its roof.

The San Bernardino Sun reported paramedics pronounced Rodriguez dead at the scene of the accident at 12:23 p.m. Other occupants of the SUV, including several children, were taken to local hospitals with moderate to major injuries. It was unclear how many people were in the SUV; the San Bernardino Sun reported there were eight or nine occupants in the vehicle.

This tragic fatal accident occurred in one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the United States, the stretch of Highway 395 from Interstate 15 to Adelanto. Just this year, 10 people have died in this stretch of Hwy 395 in head-on collisions, SUV rollover accidents and other serious accident. In 2009, there were six deaths in this stretch of road. The Victorville Daily Press reported that skid marks from this September 6th accident intersected with an accident in April that killed a 27-year-old man.

Highway 395 Accidents & Personal Injury Liability

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is investigating the fatal SUV rollover accident. While the cause of the San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash may benefit from speaking to an SUV rollover lawyer about this Highway 395 crash and the unique liability issues involved. If negligence, a mechanical defect in the vehicle or a dangerous road condition was a factor in this crash, a skilled and knowledgeable attorney can help the victims recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries or loved one's wrongful death. In cases such as this one, the injured passengers may be entitled to compensation for their medical treatment expenses, rehabilitation, lost earnings (if applicable) and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Victorville Woman Killed, Others Injured in Highway 395 Rollover Crash " »

At least six people tragically died Monday night in a fiery crash on Highway 395, the LA Times reported. The August 9th crash occurred about five miles south of Bishop shortly after 8 p.m. According to CHP reports, the driver of a soutbhound SUV lost control, drifted off the shoulder and then travelled into the center median. The SUV then collided with a large van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes from a San Diego area cross country team. The injured victims included Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who was taken to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield with major injuries. Derek Randal Thomas, 19, also of Encinitas, was flown to West Hills Hospital with major injuries.

Wendry Rice, 35, of Corona, the driver of the van died at the scene. She was apparently transporting students from California Baptist University in Riverside to a high-altitude training camp in Mammoth.

According to the LA Times, eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; David Solis, 19, of Corona; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore.; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone who has lost a friend or family member in this horrific collision that will surely never be forgotten. We hope all of the injured victims make a full recovery.

Cause of the Highway 395 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. It appears that the driver of the southbound SUV lost control, but it is unclear why. Based on the limited information available in news reports, there are more questions than answers at this point. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident took place on a part of Highway 395 that had four lanes and a center divider. Investigators are looking at skid marks and other evidence to determine the speeds of each of the vehicles involved.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Highway accidents such as this one have very unique and often very complex legal issues. Determining liability and fault will be challenging to say the least. Investigators will look at not just the actions of the driver of the SUV, but the condition and maintenance of all vehicles and even the condition of the roadway where the crash occurred. If this crash was caused by a defect in the sport utility vehicle, the manufacturer of the SUV could be liable for all victims' deaths and injuries. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury attorney who has represented victims of Highway 395 accidents. A skilled lawyer can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies.

Continue reading "6 People Killed, 12 Injured in Hwy 395 Crash near Bishop " »

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.

Continue reading "Laytonville Woman Killed, Two Injured in Hwy 101 Head-On Collision Near Piercy " »

Four people were injured in a head-on collision on Highway 89 Wednesday night in Nevada County, the Sierra Sun reported. The accident was reported south of Rampart at about 5 p.m. According to news reports, A 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck heading north collided with a 2002 Acura MDX SUV headed south. The impact sent the Acura down a nearby embankment where it struck a cyclist. The three occupants of the Acura, a 42-year-old woman, a 66-year-old woman and a 6-year-old girl, all from Tahoe City, suffered major injuries in the crash. The 34-year-old driver of the Chevrolet truck, a Squaw Valley resident, suffered major injuries. The cyclist, a man from Salt Lake City, suffered minor injuries.

Cause of the Highway 89 Crash

The Sierra Sun reported that the driver of the pickup truck, who was taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is not clear if he was driving on the wrong-side of the road or how exactly the collision occurred.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In this particular Highway 89 crash, it is determined that the driver of the northbound Chevy pickup truck caused the head-on collision, he or she may be liable for the injuries of the three occupants of the Acura and the cyclist. When accidents are caused by a drunk driver, in addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, the driver may be liable for the victims' medical treatment expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The victims' family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced northern California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully represented victims of accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Protecting the Rights of DUI Accident Victims

At Estey Bomberger, we believe accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. The decision to drink and drive is both reckless and negligent, and drivers who drive under the influence should be held accountable for their actions. For more information about what you can do to stop drinking and driving in your community, visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 89 " »

A 60-year-old Oro Grande man tragically died Tuesday night in an accident on northbound Interstate 15, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The man, identified by the San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner as Stephen Michael Fenstermaker, was a passenger in a 2004 Ford Explorer. For reasons still under investigation, at about 7:20 p.m., the driver of the Ford Explorer lost control of her vehicle. The SUV went off the freeway and rolled down a ravine on the right side of the freeway. Fenstermaker died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle suffered a broken leg.

Our condolences go out to the family of Stephen Fenstermaker and everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the driver of the Ford Explorer went off the freeway. At this point, there are more questions than answers regarding what happened and whether this Interstate 15 accident was caused by driver error or a defect in the vehicle or a dangerous condition on the roadway.

Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents on Interstate 15

On Sunday, March 28th, a Rancho Cucamonga couple died in a Ford Explorer rollover accident in the Cajon Pass, on southbound Interstate 15, north of Highway 138. That accident, and this July 13th accident, are reminders of the potentially deadly consequences of SUV rollover accidents at highway speeds. Earlier this year, a southern California jury awarded $23.5 million to a woman who was paralyzed following a Ford Rollover accident on Interstate 15 on March 23, 2007. In that case, jurors were shown evidence at trial that Ford knew of the safety issues of the Explorer, yet executives declined safety improvement recommendations in an effort to save money.

Ford Explorer Rollovers and Wrongful Death Liability

Ford Motor Company has paid out millions to victims of Ford Explorer rollover accidents. In situations such as this one, where someone dies as a result of a Ford Explorer rollover accident, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer with proven experience handling claims against Ford Motor Company. A skilled lawyer can review the unique circumstances of the accident and advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following an accident, and help them understand who is responsible for their loss.

Although no amount of money can bring back a life tragically lost, a wrongful death claim can hold accountable the parties that are responsible and give families hope that similar accidents may be prevented in the future. Damages awarded for a wrongful death claim may include money for anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Injured in Interstate 15 Ford Explorer Rollover Crash in Cajon Pass" »

In what is a tragic reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving, four teens were injured, three seriously, in a horrific SUV rollover crash in Folsom late Wednesday night. Folsom Police say alcohol and drugs appeared to play a role in the solo vehicle crash. Broken whiskey bottles, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia were found nearby, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The accident occurred on Heritage Place just before midnight on Wednesday, July 7th. Police say the SUV was speeding north on Heritage when the driver swerved onto a sidewalk and rolled multiple times. The 17-year-old unlicensed driver, the only one of the four occupants wearing a seat belt, suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing serious injury and booked at the Sacramento Juvenile Hall. The three other teens, two males and one female, suffered very serious injuries. Folsom police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Social Host Laws

Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a "Social Host Ordinance" that holds adults responsible for hosting, or knowingly providing a venue for gatherings, when they reasonably should have known underage drinking would occur. In California, parents and adults who furnish alcohol to teens can be found liable for injuries caused by drinking and driving accidents. "Social Host" ordinances address the problems of underage drinking facilitated by enabling parents and other adults who are aware of underage alcohol consumption at private residences, but fail to stop it. (See News 10 story " Sacramento County law against underage drinking could land parents in jail.")

Continue reading "Four Teens Hurt In Suspected DUI Crash in Folsom " »

The Press-Enterprise reported that one person died and at least five others people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Menifee. The June 10th crash occurred at about 1:34 p.m. on Newport Road, about 75 feet east of the on-ramp to northbound Interstate 215.

According to the Menifee Police Department, the initial investigation determined that a white Hyundai Santa Fe that had been traveling northbound on the I-215 freeway and had exited the Newport Rd. freeway offramp. The vehicle went through the intersection and struck the center divider of Newport Rd., causing the vehicle to become airborne where it collided with a Mazda minivan in the number one westbound lane of Newport Rd. Another vehicle rear-ended the minivan, and several other vehicles were involved in minor fender-benders trying to avoid the wreckage.

The driver of the minivan, Roland G. Seneff, 69, of Hemet, died as a result of his injuries at Menifee Valley Medical Center. The front passenger in the minvan suffered serious injuries. Three children in the minivan were taken to the hospital and later released. The driver of the Hyundai suffered a broken neck. It was not clear if anyone else was injured.

Cause of the Menifee Crash

According to the Press-Enterprise, the driver of the Hyundai told authorities that when she exited northbound Interstate 215 at Newport Road, she was unable to slow down at the end of the offramp. Regardless of whether the driver of the Hyundai was negligent, or if her vehicle somehow malfunctioned, the driver of the minivan and all of the occupants in his vehicle were victims of this crash.

Continue reading "Hemet Man Killed, At Least Five People Injured in Crash on Newport Road in Menifee" »

Two women from Coachella died Wednesday in a solo vehicle rollover crash on Highway 86, near the Riverside/Imperial County Line, the Desert Sun reported. The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. June 2nd on northbound Highway 86, about a half-mile north of Treadwell Boulevard, the Riverside County Coroner's office said.

According to authorities, Maria Lopez de Mora, 64, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet minivan northbound on Highway 86. A 28-year-old Coachella man was in the right front seat, and Silvia Lopez Gastelum, 61, was in the back seat. The van was travelling around 70 mph when for unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The van overturned several times across the center median and came to rest in the southbound lanes of Highway 86. Gastelum was ejected from the vehicle.

Both of the women were flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where they died. The male passenger, who was not identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Continue reading "Two Women Killed, Man Injured in Rollover Crash on Highway 86 Near Salton Sea Beach " »

Authorities are investigating the cause of a crash that injured four people in Tehama County Thursday afternoon. The head-on collision occurred around 2:35 p.m. on Highway 99E, near Ninth Avenue, and involved a northbound Honda Civic driven by Steve Capps, 32, of Red Bluff, and a southbound Toyota Tacoma driven by Heidi Harmon, 31, of Roseville.

Although the cause of the Los Molinos area crash is under investigation, authorities believe that Capps' vehicle drifted into southbound lanes, causing the collision. The impact caused the Toyota Tacoma to overturn and come to rest on its side on the west side of the Highway. Capps suffered serious injuries and was flown to Enloe Medical Center in Chico. Harmon and her two minor daughters were taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff. A Pomeranian puppy in the Tacoma thought to be missing after the crash was found by an investigator in a nearby orchard.

Personal Injury Liability and Fault Issues

If the news reports in the Red Bluff Daily News and Corning Observer are accurate, the driver of the northbound Honda Civic likely caused this crash by allowing his vehicle to drift into southbound traffic. Why this happened is not clear, and authorities will investigate whether he was under the influence of alcohol, or if he was distracted, fell asleep, or experienced a mechanical problem with his vehicle, such as a tire blowout.

While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the victims hurt in the Toyota Tacoma would be well-advised to speak to a California personal injury attorney about their legal rights following this Highway 99 head-on collision. An attorney can explain their legal rights to compensation for their injuries related to this accident, including all medical care expenses, any lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Four Injured in Head On Crash on Highway 99E " »

After Consumer Reports magazine issued a rare "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" warning on the Lexus GX460 SUV, Toyota says it will stop selling the vehicle to conduct its own testing about the safety of the vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the seven seat SUV did not handle well in safety tests, and slid until it was nearly sideways before the electronic stability control system regained control. Consumer Reports said, "When pushed to its limits on our track's handling course, the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control. We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death. We are not aware, however, of any such reports."

The "Don't Buy" warning is the first warning issued since 2001. The Toyota 4Runner, which shares the same platform as the GX 460, doesn't have the same problem.

Toyota initially responded in a statement, "We're concerned with the results of Consumer Reports testing on the Lexus GX 460 and their suggested buyer recommendation. Our engineers conducted similar tests during the development of the new GX and had no issues. However, we will try to duplicate the Consumer Reports' test to determine if appropriate steps need to be taken. Please keep in mind that the 2010 GX 460 meets or exceeds all Federal Government test requirements. Customer safety and satisfaction remain our highest priorities. We take the Consumer Reports' test results very seriously and appreciate them bringing it to our attention." Later in the day, Toyota announced it would stop selling the vehicle, at least temporarily.

About 5,000 GX460's have been sold in the three months since they went on sale. The GX460 debuted at the China International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009.

Continue reading "Toyota to Suspend Sales of Lexus GX460 SUV After Consumer Reports Issues "Don't Buy" Warning " »

Five people, including three children, were killed during a crash in pouring rain on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles just moments before midnight Sunday night, the California Highway Patrol reported. The Newhall Pass crash, which was reported at 11:55 p.m. Sunday, April 11th , involved several vehicles, including a Nissan Altima a red Mazda pickup truck, and a Chevy Suburban. Authorities believe the chain of events was triggered by the driver of the Mazda pickup truck spinning out into the center divider. The pickup truck overturned, and was then struck by the Nissan Altima. The Altima was then hit by the Chevy Suburban.

Injuries and Fatalities

According to the LA Times, the driver of the pickup truck, John J. Blackburn, 53, of Frazier Park, was killed in the accident. The driver of the Nissan Altima, Francisco Encisco, 25, of Daly City, suffered major injuries. A passenger in the Nissan, Yessica Milan, 27, was hospitalized in critical condition. Three of her children, Xochitl M. Hernandez, 5, Edgar A. Hernandez, 8, and Cynthia J. Hernandez, 9, all of Whittier, were killed, along with her nephew, Luis Villegas, 16, of Oakland. Four people in the Chevy Suburban, including a toddler and an infant, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Update: The driver of the Suburban, Victor Jarillo, has been arrested for allegedly driving without a license. His passenger was also taken into custody on suspicion of providing false information to law enforcement.

Fault and Liability

Although it was pouring rain at the time of the crash, weather was only a contributing factor, authorities reported. The main cause of the crash was still under investigation. In multi-vehicle accidents, it is possible that more than one party may be at-fault for a crash. It is also possible that mechanical failure in one of the vehicles contributed to this accident. While this crash remains under investigation, the families of the victims involved in this multi-vehicle Interstate 5 accident would be well-advised to speak to a California auto accident attorney who can protect their legal rights and recover compensation for their injuries or the loss of their loved one following this multi-vehicle Interstate 5 accident.

Continue reading "Five People, Including Four Children, Killed in Interstate 5 Crash North of Los Angeles " »

A man who climbed out of his sports-utility vehicle after a rollover accident on Highway 1 was struck by a bus Thursday morning, authorities reported. According to the CHP, the 51-year-old man initially had been driving about 55 mph on northbound Highway 1 (the Cabrillo Highway), near the 12th street exit when he saw brake lights ahead of him. In attempt to avoid a collision, he swerved suddenly, causing his SUV to rollover. The vehicle was still in the traffic lane when he climbed out of it. He was then struck by a MST bus en rounte from Monterey to San Jose. The accident occurred before 5:30 a.m., when it was still dark. The bus driver suffered minor injuries. The driver of the SUV suffered major injuries including multiple broken bones and was taken to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Injury and Liability Issues

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the April 8th accident. Accidents like this one - where somebody survives one accident and then is struck by another passing vehicle are more common than you'd think. Whenever a vehicle is disabled in the roadway, there is the potential for another collision. This is how a lot of multi-vehicle pileup or "chain reaction" collisions begin. Poor visibility situations, at night, in fog, rain or snow, increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. In this situation, the victim injured would be well-advised to speak to a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, he may be entitled to compensation from the bus company for his injuries, loss of earnings and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "SUV Rollover Accident Survivor Struck by Monterey-Salinas Transit Bus on Highway 1 " »

A single vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Antioch left a passenger with serious injuries and a driver with moderate injuries, police reported. The accident, which involved a gray Buick sedan, occurred at about 3:10 a.m. Sunday on southbound Auto Center Drive at Costco Way. According to reports in the Contra Costa Times, the vehicle crossed a sidewalk and some landscaping before striking a large concrete pillar, causing it to overturn and come to rest on its roof. The vehicle caught fire and was engulfed in flames by the time officers arrived. The driver, a 22-year-old Antioch man, was able to get himself out of the vehicle on his own. Officers had to pull the passenger, a 32-year-old Antioch woman, out of the vehicle. She suffered multiple serious injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident, but believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

The driver of the vehicle likely caused this accident and is also likely responsible for the injuries to the woman. The family of the woman seriously injured in this Contra Costa County accident would be well-advised to speak to a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help the victim recover maximum compensation for her injuries from the other driver, and possibly also her own insurance policy, if she has one. A lawyer can also explain how to best handle communications with the insurance adjustor and advise the victim and her family of their best course of action to ensure she is fairly and fully compensated for her injuries, including all medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Passenger Critically Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Antioch " »

Two people were killed Sunday, March 28, 2010 in a SUV rollover accident on southbound Interstate 15, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident occurred at about 7 p.m., north of State Highway 138 in the Cajon Pass. According to a statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner's Department, officers responding to reports of the accident found the red 2001 Ford Explorer overturned in a ravine on the west side of the freeway. Witnesses said the Ford Explorer was travelling at between 60 to 65 mph in the #1 lane of I-15 when, for unknown reasons, the SUV veered across all lanes of traffic and overturned multiple times. The victims were identified as George Perry, 58, of Rancho Cucamonga, the passenger, and Clara Perry, 59, also of Rancho Cucamonga, the driver. Both died at the scene of the crash.

Fatal Rollover Accidents in Southern California

This heartbreaking accident serves as another reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of SUV rollovers at highway speeds. Sadly, this accident is only one of many fatal SUV rollovers in Southern California this year. Just last Tuesday, two teens were killed in a SUV rollover on Interstate 5 involving a 2003 Nissan Xterra. Earlier this month, on March 21, 2010, a 46-year-old San Bernardino woman was killed in a solo-vehicle SUV rollover on southbound I-15 near Kenwood Drive. That accident was attributed to a tire blowout. Last December, a 24-year-old man was killed in a rollover accident on northbound Interstate 15 in Barstow.

Ford Explorer Rollovers & Liability

In February, a jury in West Valley Superior Court returned a 12-0 verdict ordering Ford Motor Company to pay $23.5 million to a woman paralyzed after a 1997 Ford Explorer rollover accident on March 23, 2007. At trial, jurors saw evidence Ford knew of the safety issues, and that engineers had made recommendations to improve vehicle safety, but management turned down recommendations. Ford has paid out hundreds of millions to victims and their families injured or killed in Ford Explorer rollover accidents.

Although this most recent Interstate 15 accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, the family of the two people killed in the Cajon Pass accident would be well advised to consult with a California SUV rollover accident lawyer about their legal rights. An attorney who has successfully handled large damage cases against major automakers can help the family obtain justice for their loss and hold the parties responsible accountable to the maximum extent.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal rollover accident that killed two people on the Ridgewood Grade Tuesday night, the Ukiah Daily Journal Reported. The solo vehicle accident, which involved a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, occurred at 11:15 p.m. on Highway 101 south of Willits in Mendocino County.

Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle as it overturned and died at the scene of the February 23 crash. The victims were identified as Alfred Dean Ligon, 27, and Rhonda Lee Taylor, 48, both of Willits. Because both victims were ejected and there were no witnesses to the crash, investigators did not immediately determine who was driving. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office at (707)467-4040.

Our sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved both victims, as they are seeking answers and grieving the sudden, unexpected loss of their loved ones. We hope that the investigation yields answers to why this Highway 101 crash occurred. Did something cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, or did something malfunction with the jeep? Or did the driver simply become distracted and lose control of the vehicle? Was alcohol a factor in the crash? Although the cause of the crash is still not known, the families of both victims would be well advised to consult with a California SUV rollover attorney for a consultation and more information about their legal rights.

Continue reading "Two Willits Residents Killed in Rollover Crash on Highway 101 " »