Humboldt County, CA (September 21, 2024) – A tragic head-on collision in Humboldt County on the morning of September 21, 2024, has left one man dead and another severely injured.
Accident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on State Route 299, just east of Essex Lane. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Jeep driver, a man from Fortuna, was traveling eastbound on SR-299. The driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating a curve and crossed into the westbound lanes. The Jeep crashed head-on with a Ram truck driven by Fredrick Sundberg Sr., 75, of Willow Creek.
Both drivers were transported to Saint Joseph Hospital in Eureka. The Jeep’s driver was tragically pronounced dead. Sundberg sustained major injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Investigation: At this time, authorities have not determined whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several critical questions must be addressed to determine liability in this devastating accident. Investigators will focus on why the Jeep driver failed to navigate the turn. Did the Jeep have a mechanical failure? Was there a defect in the road? If negligence played a role, the family of the Jeep driver may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover financial and emotional damages relating to the loss of their loved one. Additionally, Sundberg may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation for his medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Even if the Jeep driver or Sundberg is found to share some liability, compensation recovery may still be possible based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Fortuna man who lost his life in this tragic accident. I also wish Fredrick Sundberg Sr. a full and speedy recovery from his injuries.
Source: KRCRTV