Marysville, CA (June 9, 2024) – A fatal head-on collision on State Route 113, south of Leisure Road, claimed the life of 19-year-old DaJaun Collins and injured 37-year-old Kristina Ramos on Sunday evening.
Accident Facts: Collins was driving north in a Volkswagen sedan. He entered the southbound lane to overtake the vehicles in front of him. Ramos was driving a Mercedes sedan in the southbound lane. In an effort to avoid a collision, Ramos veered to the right, while Collins swerved to the left. The two vehicles crashed head-on. Unfortunately, Collins suffered fatal injuries. Ramos sustained major leg injuries and was transported to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) report highlighted that the northbound lane is marked by a solid yellow line, indicating no passing, while the southbound lane is marked with broken yellow lines. The collision occurred on a curve in the roadway, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of the crash. CHP does not believe drugs or alcohol to have played a role in the accident. As a personal injury attorney, I believe several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Driver Behavior and Adherence to Traffic Laws: Given that Collins was attempting to pass in a no-passing zone, his actions are a significant factor. However, understanding whether Ramos had sufficient time and space to react appropriately is also essential. Witness statements and any available surveillance footage could be critical in this regard.
Adequate Road Signage and Road Markings: The presence of a curve and the specific lane markings at the accident location are crucial. Investigating whether the road was adequately maintained, whether the signage and markings were clear, and whether the double yellow line was visible can provide insights into the potential liability of the government entity in charge of road conditions.
Potential Mechanical Failures: Both vehicles involved in the collision should undergo thorough inspections to rule out any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident. Brake failures, steering problems, or other defects could constitute negligence on the part of the vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers.
Comparative Negligence: Note that any shared liability of Ramos or Collins does not negate the ability of Ramos and Collins’s family to file a personal injury claim and wrongful death claim, respectively, if the investigation finds that other parties were also negligent.
My sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of DaJaun Collins during this difficult time. I wish Kristina Ramos a fast recovery. The family of Collins has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for Collins’s funeral expenses. Please contribute if you can.
Source: The Appeal-Democrat