Sunnyvale, CA (May 22, 2023) A tragic multi-vehicle accident early Monday morning on Highway 101 in Sunnyvale resulted in three fatalities and three additional individuals hospitalized.
According to CHP Sgt. Gil Ontiveras, emergency services began receiving 911 calls around 12:28 a.m., alerting them to a red Ford pickup truck that had crashed into the central barrier between the Fair Oaks and Lawrence Freeway exits.
Upon reaching the location, CHP officers found not only the pickup truck but also five other vehicles involved in a pile-up as they attempted to swerve away from the initial crash.
Following the initial collisions, the drivers of three vehicles exited their cars and gathered near the center divide. In a devastating turn of events, another vehicle plowed into the gathered group. The impact led to the fatal injuries of the three pedestrians.
The force of the crash propelled two individuals over the center divide wall, landing them into the southbound lanes of US-101, while the third person remained on the northbound side.
Among the deceased are 28-year-old Tyler Tolentino Rasay of South San Francisco and 24-year-old Paul August Dennig Jr., as confirmed by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The identity of a third victim from the crash is still withheld.
Three additional individuals involved in the accident were rushed to Stanford Medical Center, presenting with moderate injuries. Despite initial reports from the CHP indicating five injured, the confirmed number is three.
Liability in Sunnyvale, CA Accidents
Car accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities, despite improved safety measures in cars. According to the CDC, over 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes in the US. There are many factors that can contribute to a car accident, such as speeding, distracted driving, inclement weather, dangerous turns, and poorly designed roadways. All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to prevent accidents, especially commercial drivers who work for the city.
California Vehicle Code 21801 states that the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard. If a negligent driver works for a city, that city may be liable in the event of an accident. Employers are generally responsible for the negligent actions of their employees within the scope of their job duties.
After a car accident, it is essential to preserve evidence properly, such as taking photos of the accident site, seeking surveillance footage, preserving medical records, interviewing eyewitnesses, and conducting a thorough independent investigation. The family of a victim who died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. A car accident attorney can help accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
Investigating the Deadly 101 Freeway Accident
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the CHP San Jose office at (408) 655-2620.
Accident News Now, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. If you need more information about a car accident in Sunnyvale, our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help. We are committed to ensuring that accident victims are aware of their rights, and negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you have legal questions or need an independent investigation into an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
.
