A woman died from injuries she suffered in a truck accident on state Highway 12 in Santa Rosa on the morning of Aug. 10.
According to a report on Patch.com, the fatal crash involved a box truck, the woman’s Nissan Versa, and four other cars at the Dutton Avenue off-ramp. California Highway Patrol officials said the female driver of the Versa was extricated from the vehicle with major injuries when they arrived at the scene.
Fatality and Injuries in Santa Rosa Truck Accident
The victim was transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries. CHP’s preliminary investigation shows that the delivery box truck was traveling east on SR-12 approaching Dutton Avenue at about 50-55 mph. The Versa was in front of the box truck in the right lane and was traveling under 10 mph, CHP investigators said. Officials said the driver of the box truck failed to notice the slower traffic ahead.
At the last moment, the truck driver swerved to the left to avoid the Nissan. However, the front of the box truck hit the rear left side of the Nissan, which pushed the vehicle toward the right shoulder where it overturned onto a guardrail. The box truck continued out of control along eastbound SR-12 and crashed into four more cars before it overturned onto its side.
The driver of the truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Some of the four other drivers also sustained similar injuries. CHP is asking anyone who has information about this crash to contact the Santa Rosa CHP office at 707-588-1400.
Liability Issues
Based on this news report detailing the findings of CHP’s preliminary investigation, it appears that the driver of the box truck was at fault for failing to slow down for traffic. It is not clear why that driver did not realize that traffic was slowing down. Was the driver distracted, driving at an unsafe speed, or otherwise negligent?
In this case, the delivery truck driver, as well as their employer, may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Families of deceased victims may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced California truck accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://patch.com/california/rohnertpark-cotati/fatality-reported-crash-highway-12-santa-rosa