Pittsburg, CA (December 15, 2023) Five people were killed in a wrong-way crash in Pittsburg on Highway 4. Three of the victims were children, authorities said. The accident happened shortly after midnight in the westbound lanes of the highway.
The Contra Costa County Coroner released the names of the victims who were killed: Lasaundra Goode, 44, from Vacaville, Tiara Tucker, 27, from Vallejo and three children, all from Vallejo. 5-year-old Mariah Mihailovic, 4-year-old Keilani Johnson-Ochoa and 9-year-old Kaliyah Johnson-Ochoa were all killed in this tragic accident.
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The California Highway Patrol stated that a car, driven by Tucker, was driving east in the westbound lane of Highway 4. It collided, head-on, with an SUV, driven by Goode.
Everyone involved was killed in this deadly collision on Highway 4 in Pittsburg. Officers at the scene reported that both vehicles were “completely mangled” following the collision. Investigators are still working on this accident in an attempt to figure out exactly what happened to cause this horrible accident that took so many lives.
Liability In Huntington Beach Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Pittsburg Car Accident
All of us at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Lasaundra Goode, Tiara Tucker, Mariah Mihailovic, Keilani Johnson-Ochoa and Kaliyah Johnson-Ochoa. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Pittsburg car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 866-883-4318.
