Twana Williamson, 59, was killed in a rollover accident after losing control of her vehicle and crashing. According to a news report in The Union Democrat, Williamson was driving east on Upper Skyridge drive the afternoon of July 24, 2010 in her Ford Escape SUV when she lost control at a turn near Lower Skyridge. The vehicle veered off the roadway, swiped a tree and hit a rock retaining wall. California Highway Patrol officials say Williamson may not have been wearing a seatbelt. She was ejected from the vehicle through the windshield and sustained fatal injuries.
This sudden and tragic accident must be heartbreaking for everyone who knew and loved Twana Williamson. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Rollover Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rollover crashes are responsible for at least 10,000 fatalities each year in the United States. That number accounts for about 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States. Each year, there are about 40,000 fatal car accidents in the United States.
What Caused this Crash?
Based on this news report, it is not clear what may have caused this tragic accident. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the vehicle? Did speed play a role? Was another vehicle involved in this incident? For example, was Williamson run off the road by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this crash occurred.
Auto Product Liability Issues
As auto product liability lawyers who have represented victims injured in SUV rollover accidents, we know that SUVs by design are prone to such accidents. SUVs usually have a higher center of gravity and narrower track width, which increases the likelihood of them tipping over even at lower speeds. In this particular case, I would also be interested to find out whether Williamson was ejected because she wasn't buckled up or because of a seatbelt defect.
It would be in the best interests of the victim's family in this case to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for malfunctions, product defects and other evidence. An experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases involving large auto makers, will be able to advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.
Do you feel safe in your vehicle? What are the auto product defects you may read or hear about, that most concern you?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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