California woman killed in multi-car crash on I-580

A 36-year-old Dublin woman was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate Highway 580 in Livermore on Dec. 10. The crash occurred just after 3 p.m. just east of Vasco Road.

A representative with the California Highway Patrol said the woman died after the 2003 Jeep Cherokee she was riding in was rear-ended by a 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by a 45-year-old man. The force of the impact overturned the Jeep, causing it to burst into flames. The victim was thrown from the vehicle, and paramedics declared her dead at the scene.

A Honda Civic driven by a 47-year-old man and a second pickup truck driven by a 35-year-old woman were also involved in the accident. Both drivers were taken to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital with minor injuries.

All eastbound lanes of I-580 were shut down for several hours as police investigated the cause of the crash. Authorities said alcohol or drugs were not thought to be a factor in the accident, but toxicology samples were taken. The driver of the Ford pickup did not receive citations or charges for the collision.

Even in cases where no charges are filed against a driver who caused a fatal car accident, a civil wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against the at-fault driver by the victim’s family. An injury attorney could help the family gather evidence for their suit as well as potentially determine if driver negligence contributed to the wreck. Losses incurred from the crash could be recovered such as loss of economic support, funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Source: Patch.com, “Woman Killed in Livermore Crash Last Wednesday Identified as Dublin Resident,” Autumn Johnson, Dec. 15, 2014

Source: San Jose Mercury News, “Woman killed in multivehicle crash in Livermore identified“, Natalie Neysa Alund, December 16, 2014