South Lake Tahoe, CA (December 23, 2024) – On the morning of December 23, five people were hospitalized after a severe head-on crash on State Route 89, north of Picketts Junction near South Lake Tahoe.
Accident Details: At approximately 8:15 a.m., a champagne-colored Chevy traveling northbound on SR-89 lost control due to icy road conditions and unsafe speeds, veering into oncoming traffic. The Chevy collided head-on with a southbound white Mazda. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles. The Chevy’s driver, John Fulton, and passenger, Michelle Fulton, both from Huntington Beach, suffered major injuries. Two individuals in the Mazda, Hillary Voigt and Tom Van Nuenen of Berkeley, were also seriously injured. A third, unidentified person in the Chevy was reportedly hospitalized as well.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues investigating the crash and has asked for witnesses to contact them.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Chevy Driver Behavior: The Chevy driver, John Fulton, may bear primary responsibility for the collision due to driving at unsafe speeds on icy roads. Operating a vehicle at speeds inappropriate for hazardous conditions can constitute negligence, as drivers are required to exercise reasonable caution to avoid causing harm to others.
- Road Conditions: The icy road conditions also raise questions about the municipality’s role in maintaining road safety. Municipalities have a duty to ensure roads are safe for travel, which includes applying salt or sand to icy areas and providing adequate warning signs. If the responsible municipality failed to take these precautions, it may share liability for the crash.
Personal Injury Claims: Depending on the outcome of the investigation, injured parties—including Michelle Fulton, Hillary Voigt, and Tom Van Nuenen—could potentially bring personal injury claims against John Fulton and/or the municipality responsible for maintaining State Route 89. Such claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the collision.
Comparative Negligence: Even if John Fulton is found liable for driving at unsafe speeds, he may still recover partial damages in a personal injury claim if the municipality is also found at fault for failing to maintain safe road conditions. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, each negligent party is held accountable for only the portion of harm they caused. John Fulton’s potential compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to him.
I extend my heartfelt thoughts to all those affected by this tragic incident. I hope for the swift recovery of those injured.
Source: My News 4