Officials have identified a man who was killed in a Sacramento area car accident, which involved about 40 vehicles, as Douglas Swasey. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal car accident occurred in snowy weather on the Interstate 80 near Yuba Gap the afternoon of March 18, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say Swasey was killed when he stepped out of his truck to either put chains on or to get it free. The roadways were slick at the time, officials said. According to other news reports, the chain-reaction crash was triggered by a big rig that fell on four vehicles. It is not clear how the big rig went out of control on the slick roadways. At least a dozen others were taken to local hospitals for treatment of minor to moderate injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Douglas Swasey for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. My heart also goes out to the many injured victims of this horrific crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four deaths and 60 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Yuba County. During the same year, 12 people died and 287 were injured in car accidents in Yuba County.
Causes, Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal chain-reaction car accident involving 40 vehicles occurred. Did the big rig cause this crash? Officials say the rain and snow may have played a part, but there are many other questions here. Was the big rig driver going too fast given the slick roadway and cold weather conditions?
California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."
I trust officials are also looking into other factors that may have played a part including the involvement of alcohol or drugs, driver distraction or inattention. In such cases, the at-fault motorist could be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. If the driver was on the job at the time, his or her employer could also be held civilly liable. Car accident victims or families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are preserved.
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