Kathryn Norman, 60, sustained fatal injuries in a car accident the afternoon of January 19, 2010 near Feather Falls, California. According to a news report in the Chico Enterprise Record, Norman was driving a 1994 GMC south on Lumpkin Road near Long Point Road, when she collided head-on with a 2004 Nissan driven by 52-year-old James Veerkamp. California Highway Patrol officials say they are still trying to determine who caused this fatal accident and if wet weather conditions may have played a part. The road is said to be narrow and with sections that do not have any dividing lines to separate the lanes. Veerkamp sustained minor injuries.

Tragic Car Accident

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kathryn Norman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers. I also wish Veerkamp the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries. It is indeed fortunate that he did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this car crash.

Based on this news report, both drivers were doing 40 mph or more in a 35-mph zone. Investigators are still looking into whether drugs or alcohol were involved. Both drivers were also wearing their seatbelts at the time. Norman did not appear to have an airbag in the GMC, CHP officials said.

Was there a Dangerous Condition on the Roadway?

In this particular case, if Veerkamp was at-fault for the accident, he could be held liable for Norman's wrongful death. On the other hand, if Norman caused this head-on collision, Veerkamp could file a claim against her estate or with her insurance company for compensation. If I were a member of Norman's family, I would certainly look into whether there was a dangerous condition on this roadway. If the details of this article are accurate, there are some portions of this roadway where the lanes are not even marked. It is also a windy road, which makes it all the more unsafe for motorists. How would a driver stick to his or her lane if there are no lanes?

A California personal injury lawyer, who has extensive experience and a successful track record representing injured victims in dangerous roadway cases, will be able to make a determination here. A skilled car accident lawyer will be able to establish if a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this fatal accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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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