California Injury Lawyer Blog

WILLOWS - A head-on collision Tuesday night killed three people in Glenn County, the Contra Costa Times and Willows Journal reported. The accident occurred on Highway 99W, north of the intersection with County Road 39. According to news reports, at about 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, Erik Ortega, 26, of Orland, was driving a 1991 Ford Taurus southbound on the highway when he reportedly allowed his vehicle to drift into northbound lanes. The Ford collided head-on with a 2007 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melissa M. Ellithorp, 20, of Willows. Both Ortega and Ellithorp were killed in the crash. A passenger in Ellithorp's Hyundai, Nicolina Joann Milani, 19, of Glenn, also died. A second passenger in the Hyundai, Emily D Ellithorp, 31, of Willows, sustained major injuries and was taken to Enloe Medical Center in Chico.

Cause of the Glenn County Crash

The April 5th head-on collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. If news accounts of the incident are accurate, it is likely that Melissa Ellithorp could have done nothing to avoid this collision. It is unclear why Ortega allowed his southbound vehicle to drift into northbound lanes. Was he distracted? Did he fall asleep at the wheel? Was he driving under the influence? Did something malfunction mechanically? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

Car Accident Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

While this car accident remains under investigation, the family members of the three occupants of the Hyundai would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from head-on collisions similar to this one can closely monitor the official investigation and advise the victims' families of their best course of action to protect their rights. If necessary, an independent investigator can be dispatched to the scene to independently determined what happened and why. If negligence of the driver or someone else caused or contributed to this crash, the victims' families may be able to recover compensation for their loss against whoever was ultimately responsible.

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An Orland man was hospitalized at Enloe Medical Center with serious injuries Monday afternoon following a collision with an SUV, the Enterprise Record reported. The October 4th Glenn County motorcycle accident occurred around 2 p.m. at Sixth Street and Walker Street (California State Route 32). The intersection crash, described as a broadside accident involved a Ford Escape SUV and a Harley Davidson. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Billy Joe Elder, 49, of Orland, suffered major injuries. The driver of the Ford Escape was not injured. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited details provided by the Enterprise Record, it is unclear which direction the vehicles were travelling, who had the right-of-way, and who was responsible from the crash.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If investigators make the determination that the driver of the SUV is responsible for this crash, he or she may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the motorcyclist. In situations such as this one, where the cause of a crash is not clear, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident attorney. A lawyer experienced in the unique legal issues of broadside motorcycle accidents can help the victim understand and protect his legal rights, and advise his family of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies. After any serious accident, it is always advisable to talk with a knowledgeable lawyer before making any recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer. It is often the case that injured victims are entitled to far more compensation than is initially offered.

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Investigators at the California Highway Patrol are trying to figure out what happened that led to the death of Pamela Hope Brown, 53, on Saturday evening in Glenn County. According to the Willows Journal, Brown was reportedly standing in the middle of Old Highway 99W, just south of County Road 27, when she was struck by a 1999 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Brown died at the scene.

The driver of the truck that struck Brown, Arturo S. Saurez, 40, of Orland and his passenger were both not injured in the crash. No arrests have been made or citations issued following the accident. An investigation is ongoing and toxicology results are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Willows CHP at 530-934-5424.

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