Marina Bajczi, 22, was killed in a car accident after another driver lost control of his motor home and crashed into her vehicle. According to a news report in the Record-Bee, the fatal accident occurred the afternoon of July 18, 2010 on Highway 20 east of Verna Way in Lake County. Ernie Hunt, 73, who was traveling west in a 2002 Itsa motor home, drifted across the double yellow lines and collided with Bajczi's 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The motor home continued out of control and crashed into a Chevy pickup truck driven by Claude Speegle, 57. The motor home then went down an embankment off the highway and burst into flames.

Bajczi was fatally injured and her passenger, 30-year-old Ruben Masso, sustained major injuries. Hunt suffered burn injuries while Speegle and his two passengers -- Nick Scholl, 67, and Bob Fenili, 54, suffered minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Marina Bajczi for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. I also wish all the injured victims in this crash the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 269 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Lake County. Also, countywide, 14 people died and 292 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused the Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal car accident occurred. There are several questions here. Why did Hunt lose control of his motor home? Was it due to negligence on his part? Did he fall asleep at the wheel? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motor home, which may have caused the crash? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine the exact cause of the fatal crash.

Fault and Liability

If Hunt is determined to have been at fault for this accident, he could be held liable for the accident, resulting injuries and wrongful death. If an auto product defect triggered this crash, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy and other related damages.

Families of deceased accident victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other damages. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What is the biggest challenge faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a car accident?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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