Published on:

Fatal Sacramento Area Car Accident

By

Myrtle Harmon, 68, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after a driver crossed over the center line into the path of her vehicle, causing a head-on crash. According to a news report in the Chico Enterprise Record, 53-year-old Juanita Maldonado was driving a Honda Civic north on the Highway 99 the afternoon of February 14, 2010 when she crossed over the center line and hit Harmon’s 2005 Ford Focus, which was southbound. California Highway Patrol officials said Harmon died at the scene.

Maldonado and one of her grandchildren — 15-year-old Erica Aguirre — sustained serious injuries. Her 11-year-old grandson, Miguel Aguirre, suffered minor injuries. CHP officials said Maldonado was traveling about 40 to 45 mph when the Honda drifted to the right. She swerved back to the left causing the car to cross over the center line. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors in this accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Myrtle Harmon for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. I also wish Maldonado and her injured grandchildren the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP’s 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 47 fatalities and 3,022 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 84 lives and injured 7,874 people during the same year.

What Caused this Head-on Collision?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused Maldonado to lose control of her Honda and cause the crash. There are several questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or malfunction in the Honda that caused the accident? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was Maldonado distracted by the children or something else in the vehicle at the time of the collision? I trust CHP investigators are examining all these factors in order to determine what caused the accident and who was at fault.

Claim for Compensation

If this accident was caused by Maldonado’s negligence, then she can be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. Harmon’s family can file a claim through Maldonado’s insurance company seeking compensation. If the accident was the result of an auto product defect, the auto maker or manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable. Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys personal injury lawyer to find out more information about their legal rights and options.

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.

By
Posted in:
Published on:
Updated:

Comments are closed.

Contact Information