A 72-year-old Arkansas woman was tragically killed in a head-on collision in eastern San Bernardino County late Sunday morning, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The accident occurred just west of the California / Arizona state line in Vidal Junction area, on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 11:23 a.m. The victim, Phyllis Clemons, of Marvell, Arkansas, was a front seat passenger in a 2006 Toyota Prius travelling southbound on US 95 near mile marker 17. The Prius was struck by a 1992 Isuzu SUV travelling northbound that was passing a semi tractor-trailer big rig truck. Clemons died at the scene of the crash. It is not clear if anyone else was injured.
Cause of the US 95 Accident
The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. However, based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may be caused by the driver of the Isuzu making an unsafe passing maneuver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21751: "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Head-on Collision Wrongful Death Liability
If the driver of the Isuzu is determined to have caused this fatal crash, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of Phyllis Clemons. Additionally, the driver could be cited or arrested pending the investigation. In situations such as this December 12th fatal head-on collision, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable California wrongful death attorney who has represented numerous families of victims of fatal head-on collisions on state highways. A lawyer can advise the family of their legal rights and options to hold the driver - and any other negligent parties - financially accountable for funeral and burial expenses and loss of love, care, affection of companionship.
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