An April 20, 2010 car accident involving a sedan and a tractor-trailer resulted in the death of 53-year-old Martha Lynn Shower. The Appeal-Democrat reports that the accident also caused major injuries to her husband, John Alden Shower, 66, and another 66-year-old man, John Ritchie. Both men were transported to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries. California Highway Patrol officials say the crash happened on Highway 99 near Yuba City. The truck went over the centerline, into opposing traffic lanes, and crashed head-on into the Showers' Volkswagen Passat.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Martha Lynn Shower. I sincerely hope both John Shower and John Ritchie recover quickly and completely from their injuries. This family will certainly be in my prayers.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 304 fatalities and 3,196 injuries involving truck accidents in California in 2008. Nationwide, 4,229 people died in big rig accidents that year, according to the FMCSA report.

Causes and Liability issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver of the truck in this case, 37-year-old Mario Prado, told authorities that he lost control of the rig when he swerved to avoid a van that cut him off. His account is yet to be verified. If I were a member of the Showers' family, I would also want to know whether impairment, distraction, driver fatigue or reckless driving were factors in this tragic crash.

In this case, if the truck driver is determined to have caused the fatal crash then he and his employer could be held liable. If there was another vehicle involved, which triggered the accident, the driver of that vehicle could be held liable. In such cases, accident victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyers, who will analyze every aspect of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable.

What do you believe, based on your experience as a driver, are the most common causes for truck accidents on our roadways?

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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