Knights Ferry, CA — A Ceres man lost his life in a head-on collision Friday morning, August 9, 2024, on Highway 120, east of Knights Ferry in Tuolumne County, according to The Modesto Bee. The fatal crash occurred around 7:25 AM, just east of La Grange Road.
The 54-year-old Ceres resident was driving a 2014 Buick sedan eastbound on Highway 120, with 66-year-old Vicki Rasmussen, also of Ceres, as his passenger. At the same time, 67-year-old Erich Heinrichs of Turlock was driving a 2020 Hino tank truck westbound.
For reasons yet to be determined, the Buick crossed over the highway’s double yellow lines, directly into the path of Heinrichs. The two vehicles collided head-on, causing significant damage to both.
The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, pending notification of his family. Both Heinrichs and Rasmussen sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance to nearby medical centers. Heinrichs received treatment at Adventist Health Sonora, while Rasmussen was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.
The CHP is continuing its investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Personal Injury Claims
After a vehicular accident, victims and their families often face not only emotional distress but also the sudden financial burdens of medical bills, loss of income during recovery, and, in tragic cases, burial expenses.
These costs should be borne by those responsible for causing the injuries and their insurance provider. However, insurance companies typically try to minimize the compensation for any claim they cannot deny. This is why having the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial to ensuring justice for victims of vehicular accidents.
Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians
Drivers are entrusted with a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are more vulnerable and prone to fatal injuries in traffic accidents. Nevertheless, establishing liability can be intricate and influenced by various factors. This process of sorting through complexities to determine fault is one of the crucial services that a personal injury attorney can offer.
Even after fault is determined, insurance companies often strive to minimize claims they cannot reject outright. This is where a personal injury attorney can be invaluable, advocating on behalf of victims to secure the full compensation they rightfully deserve.
