California Injury Blog
Ted Consoli, a 58-year-old man from Seaside, was killed in a car accident the evening of July 30, 2010. The Monterey Herald reports that Consoli was driving east on Holman Highway in his 2004 BMW Z4, when a 2000 Ford Explorer struck him. The Explorer was heading west when it crossed over to the eastbound lanes and hit Consoli’s BMW. After colliding with the BMW, the Ford then crashed into a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado that had been driving behind the BMW.
Thomas Littlefield, the 61-year-old driver of the Ford SUV, told officials that he might have fallen asleep at the wheel. Andrew Kennedy, 32, and Heather Lauren, 33, the occupants of the Silverado, sustained minor to moderate injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Ted Consoli, who was a well-known chef at a local restaurant. Those who knew Consoli praise him for his professionalism, creativity and friendly attitude. What a tragic loss for his family, friends and co-workers! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 95 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Seaside. In Monterey County, 40 people died and 1,470 sustained personal injuries due to car accidents during the same year.
Sleepy Drivers Can Be Dangerous
If this report is accurate and Littlefield fell asleep while driving, he could be held liable for Consoli’s wrongful death and for the personal injuries caused to Kennedy and Lauren. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, fatigue was a factor in at least 18 percent of all fatal car accidents and accounted for about 7 percent of all traffic accidents.
In cases where fatigued drivers are involved, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the at-fault driver may or may not face criminal charges. However, injured victims or the families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held financially responsible. This story is a tragic reminder to all of us to stay off the road if we are drowsy or fatigued. It is not worth putting someone else’s life at risk.
What are some tips you would offer to help prevent fatigued driving?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys 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.