Nevada County, CA (November 20, 2023) An 18-year-old’s life came to a tragic end on Sunday, November 19th, after a rollover crash in Nevada County, according to the California Highway Patrol. A passerby reported the overturned vehicle just before 4:00 a.m. on State Route 20, not too far from South Ponderosa Way.
Officers arrived at the scene and found a vehicle against a tree off the shoulder of the highway. They hurried to the vehicle and found the young man still inside. The California Highway Patrol reported that the 18-year-old sustained head trauma in the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
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Reports indicate that the 18-year-old was wearing a seat belt, but officials with the California Highway Patrol stated that the roads were wet and slick at the time of the accident. Officers aren’t exactly sure what happened on State Route 20 to cause the driver to lose control and go off the roadway, but investigators are looking into it.
The young man’s vehicle had to be pulled from the side of the roadway and towed away. Authorities said it was severely damaged in the collision. Officers do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in this fatal accident. The identity of the 18-year-old is being withheld until his next of kin have been notified.
Liability In Nevada County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Nevada County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the 18-year-old killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Nevada County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
