On Nov. 13, an 89-year-old women and a 62-year-old man were killed in a traffic accident in Willits, according to authorities. The incident reportedly occurred at 12:40 p.m. on Highway 101 south of Hollands Lane.
Authorities reported that a 1988 Toyota Camry crossed the centerline of the highway and collided head-on with a Prius carrying the woman and the man. The driver of the Camry, a 75-year-old man, was also killed in the crash. It was unknown following the incident why the 75-year-old driver crossed over the double yellow line and entered into oncoming traffic. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash is still under investigation. Highway 101 was closed for several hours as investigators probed the accident scene.
Following the initial collision, the Prius was rear-ended by a 2001 Acura driven by a 21-year old Kelseyville man, authorities stated. The 21-year-old driver was not injured in the accident.
The families of the decedents in this case may be particularly interested in the results of the investigation conducted by CHP. For, if there is evidence suggesting that faulty driving caused the fatal crash, immediate family members of the decedents may wish to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Wrongful death claims are filed in civil court and may be a means for family members of fatal crash victims to recover the many losses they suffered consequent to the car accident. Families pursuing this type of civil action often retain a wrongful death attorney, who may represent their interests both inside and outside of court.
Source: Lake County News, “Thursday Willits crash kills three”, Elizabeth Larson, November 14, 2014