Articles Posted in Wrongful Death

Headlight Safety Standards Being Raised

August 16, 2019 | Edward Smith

New Regulations on Headlight Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently writing rules to establish new standards regarding headlight safety. People are eagerly awaiting these new regulations, which will improve drivers visibility in the dark. It is just a matter of time until automakers and consumers receive the rules that will legalize the car technology in the United States. The technology required to construct higher-quality headlights is already accessible in other parts of the world, such as Europe and Canada. In addition to the advancements made in lighting technology, the NHTSA is implementing stricter testing procedures for car manufacturers.

Motorcyclist Killed in Southern Fresno County Crash

August 14, 2019 | Edward Smith

Motorcyclist Killed in Southern Fresno County Crash

A motorcyclist was killed in a southern Fresno County crash on the morning of August 13, 2019. The motorcycle accident occurred shortly after 6:10 a.m. at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Manning Avenue. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a man was riding his motorcycle eastbound when a Jeep SUV made a turn in front of him. Officials reported that the biker did not have enough time to react and collided with the Jeep, which propelled him off his motorcycle. Those who witnessed the collision tried to help the injured man. Sadly, he was not able to overcome his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent has been identified by officials as 54-year-old Mark Bristol of Parlier. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Mr. Bristol in their time of loss.

Biker Killed in Fresno County Head-On Collision

August 12, 2019 | Edward Smith

Biker Killed in Fresno County Head-On Collision

A biker was killed in a Fresno County head-on collision on the afternoon of August 11, 2019. The motorcycle accident occurred just after 2:30 p.m. at Highway 41 and Harlan Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), an SUV was traveling northbound on Highway 41 while a motorcyclist was headed south. The SUV driver reportedly attempted to overtake another vehicle, entered the oncoming traffic lane, and collided with the motorcycle rider head-on. The occupants of the SUV escaped serious injuries in the crash, CHP said. Sadly, the motorcyclist passed away at the scene. Officials have identified the biker as 49-year-old Cary Williams of Fresno. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Williams in their time of loss.

Man Killed in August 2 Hit and Run Crash Identified

August 9, 2019 | Edward Smith

Man Killed in August 2 Hit and Run Crash Identified

A man who died in a hit and run crash in Sacramento on August 2 has been identified. The Sacramento Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased man as Newton Dompey, age 63, and a resident of Elk Grove. The accident occurred at 1150 Arden Way, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) records. It was unclear in the report whether Dompey was in a separate vehicle or if he was on foot at the time of the collision. Emergency rescuers were called to the scene of the hit and run crash where it was determined that Dompey’s injuries were life-threatening. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he passed away the following day. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

Turlock Man Killed in Hit and Run Accident

August 5, 2019 | Edward Smith

Turlock Man Killed in Hit and Run Accident

A 29-year-old Turlock man was killed in a hit and run accident on the night of August 1, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Fulkerth Road and Commons Road, just west of Turlock. A man was driving his Isuzu SUV eastbound along Fulkerth Road when he pulled his vehicle over on the side of the road. When he stepped out of his SUV, he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the other car reportedly fled the scene, leaving the man behind to succumb to his injuries. I would like to send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the decedent’s family and friends in their time of loss.

Two Killed in Lodi Car Accident

August 5, 2019 | Edward Smith

Two Killed in Lodi Car Accident

Two people were killed in a Lodi car accident on the morning of August 2, 2019. The car wreck occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. along the southbound lanes of Highway 99 near Kettleman Lane. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a woman was driving a 1970 Chevy Nova in the area. For unknown reasons, the Chevrolet veered off the west side of the highway and collided with a light pole. The vehicle continued on and came to a rest after crashing into a tree. Sadly, the woman and a man who was riding in the passenger seat were pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the decedents as 74-year-old Deanne Harris Smuck of Lodi and 64-year-old Wendall Scott Smuck of Galt. Their relationship was not immediately known, according to CHP. We would like to take the time to send our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the family of Mr. and Ms. Smuck during this difficult time.

Winton Man Killed in Stanislaus County Crash

August 2, 2019 | Edward Smith

Winton Man Killed in Stanislaus County Crash

A Winton man was killed in a Stanislaus County crash on the morning of August 1, 2019. The car accident occurred shortly before 6:00 a.m. at Vincent Road and Linwood Road, just north of Delhi. A 1987 Toyota MR2 was being driven by a Winton man northbound along Vincent Road. The man stopped to make a left turn at the intersection when he was rear-ended by a 2014 Lexus sedan. Emergency crews were called to the scene to transport the Lexus driver to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Sadly, the Winton man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 62-year-old Alfonso Perez Gonzalez of Winton. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of the man who passed away in this tragic collision.

Young Girl Dies in Redding Car Accident

August 2, 2019 | Edward Smith

Young Girl Dies in Redding Car Accident

According to official reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a young girl was fatally injured in a Redding area car accident on Sunday, July 28, 2019. The decedent has been identified as the 9-year-old girl and daughter of MaryAnn Knutson, who was also seriously injured during the accident. Additionally, two other children suffered injuries, one sustaining severe trauma. The incident remains under investigation by CHP. I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Knutson family and everyone whose life has been affected by this terrible accident.

Single-Vehicle Crash Kills Arden Arcade Woman

August 1, 2019 | Edward Smith

Single-Vehicle Crash Kills Arden Arcade Woman

A single-vehicle crash into a parked car on July 30 caused the death of an Arden Arcade woman. The accident occurred at 9:00 a.m. on Whitney Avenue in the vicinity of Watt Avenue and west of Becerra Way. The unidentified woman, 83, was several hundred feet away from her home when she struck the parked vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A CHP representative said her vehicle was moving at a speed of 25 mph at the time of impact. It was confirmed that the woman was not using a seat restraint. Because of this, she was partially ejected from her vehicle. Authorities declared the Arden Arcade woman deceased at the accident site. No one else was injured in the single-vehicle crash. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

One Killed in Fresno County DUI Crash

July 31, 2019 | Edward Smith

One Killed in Fresno County DUI Crash

One person was killed, and three others were injured in a Fresno County DUI crash on the afternoon of July 29, 2019. The car accident occurred shortly after 12:40 p.m. along Highway 180 and Rio Vista Avenue, just west of Minkler. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV veered over the center median and collided head-on with a 2011 Ford Explorer. The Chevrolet driver, a 40-year-old Selma man, was taken to the hospital where he was booked on charges of driving under the influence. Three of the four passengers in the Ford were transported via air ambulance to the hospital for treatment of major injuries. Sadly, the fourth passenger succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The decedent has been identified by officials as 47-year-old Rosario Montalvo of Fresno. I would like to send my healing thoughts and prayers to the family of Ms. Montalvo during this difficult time.