Santa Rosa, CA (August 29, 2024) – A tragic chain-reaction crash at a Santa Rosa intersection on Thursday afternoon led to the death of 78-year-old Pat LaFortune.
Accident Details: The accident, which occurred around 11:50 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 12 and Fulton Road, also resulted in nine other people being injured, three of them severely. According to reports, the collision was initiated when a dump truck plowed into a line of 11 vehicles waiting at a red light. The force of the impact caused extensive damage to several vehicles, including a pickup truck that caught fire. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the driver of the pickup truck, LaFortune, was found deceased.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this devastating accident highlights the critical need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and establish liability. Key factors that should be examined include the dump truck’s condition and whether mechanical failures or driver errors contributed to the collision. Additionally, the truck driver’s actions leading up to the crash, including their speed, potential distractions, or impairment, should be scrutinized.
Another aspect worth investigating is whether the construction of the intersection or any traffic control devices contributed to this tragic event. Depending on the findings, multiple parties could be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly even entities responsible for road maintenance, if any hazards were present.
Wrongful Death: For Pat LaFortune’s family, this tragic incident could give rise to a wrongful death claim. In California, wrongful death claims allow the family to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from their loved one’s death, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the deceased’s contribution to household income.
Personal Injury: The nine injured individuals may be able to pursue personal injury claims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pat LaFortune. My thoughts are also with those who were injured in this horrific accident, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.
Source: ABC 7 News