King City, CA (October 21, 2024) – On Monday morning, a tragic accident occurred near 56000 Oasis Road when 55-year-old Cyril James Barbree of King City was killed in a rollover crash while driving on private property.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Barbree was driving a 1993 Jeep Wrangler westbound at an undetermined speed. The vehicle veered to the left for reasons still under investigation, causing its front left wheel to catch on a metal post supporting a cattle guard. The vehicle overturned onto a nearby dirt road and stopped to rest on its left side.
Investigation: Authorities indicated that Barbree was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, leading to his ejection from the vehicle and fatal head injuries. The CHP confirmed that alcohol and drugs did not appear to play a role in the incident.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several factors may have contributed to the vehicle’s path and outcome. Since the Jeep Wrangler veered left and struck the cattle guard post, investigators will likely examine possible road conditions—such as uneven surfaces or obstructions—that may have influenced the vehicle’s movement. Mechanical issues with the Jeep could also have played a role, and an inspection of the vehicle may reveal whether any malfunctions led to the vehicle’s loss of control.
Wrongful Death Claim: In cases involving fatalities, California law allows family members to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence by a third party contributed to the accident. Here, depending on the investigation’s findings, liability could extend to the private property owner if hazardous conditions on the property contributed to the accident. Additionally, a mechanical defect, if found, could raise questions about potential liability for a manufacturer or vehicle maintenance provider.
Comparative Negligence: A complicating factor in this case is the absence of a seatbelt, which likely increased the severity of Barbree’s injuries. Under California’s comparative negligence rule, any potential compensation could be reduced if Barbree’s lack of a seatbelt is found to have contributed to the fatal outcome.
My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Cyril James Barbree during this difficult time.
Source: KSBW