One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Head-On Collision in Placer County
A woman who was killed in a crash on Foresthill Road Monday morning has been identified as Pamela Jean Hawkins, 52, of Foresthill, the Sacramento Bee reported Wednesday. The fatal Placer County crash happened at about 7 a.m. April 19th on Foresthill Road near Happy Pines Drive. According to CHP reports, the crash involved a GMC Acadia SUV driven by Graciela Mata, 56, of Foresthill, and a Chrysler Sebring, driven by Hawkins.
Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, authorities believe Hawkins' white Sebring drifted into westbound lanes and struck Graciela Mata's SUV. Mata suffered very serious injuries and was flown to UC Davis Medical Center and later transferred to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Hawkins died at the scene of the accident. Speed is not believed to be a factor in crash.
Who Was At Fault?
If the facts of this accident reported in the Sacramento Bee and the Auburn Journal are accurate, Graciela Mata is not at fault for this crash. It is not clear why Pamela Hawkins lost control of her vehicle. The investigation by the highway patrol will hopefully determine if Hawkins was distracted or otherwise driving negligently, or if she swerved to avoid something in the roadway, or there was a mechanical failure of her vehicle, such as a loss of steering or tire blowout. Without more information it is impossible to tell why this crash occurred.
Personal Injury Liability Issues
While this crash is still under investigation, the family of Graciela Mata would be well-advised to consult with a California car accident lawyer familiar with the liability issues of head-on collisions. An attorney will be able to oversee the investigation by law enforcement and advise the victim and her family of their best course of action to protect her legal rights. Compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident can include monetary damages for all medical expenses, lost earnings and emotional pain and suffering.
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