Rio Vista, CA — A 79-year-old man lost his life and two others were hospitalized following a three-vehicle collision in Rio Vista on Friday afternoon, October 25, 2024, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The accident occurred around 3:15 PM on Highway 12 at the intersection with Church Road. According to investigators, a truck reportedly crashed into a fence, while two other vehicles blocked the roadway, presenting a chaotic scene to emergency responders.
Rio Vista, a small Delta city of about 10,000 residents in Solano County, has been the site of several serious incidents in recent years. Of the four fatal crashes recorded in Rio Vista from 2013 to the end of 2023, three occurred on Highway 12 or Church Road, according to data from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System. This intersection alone has witnessed several tragic incidents, with a fatal crash as recently as 2015.
At the site of the accident, Highway 12 runs as a straight, undivided stretch, with traffic flowing unimpeded and high-speed vehicles merging from Church Road, controlled by only a stop sign. Authorities note that rural highways like Highway 12 pose unique risks, including higher speeds and limited safety infrastructure.
The Rio Vista Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Friday’s crash, hoping to uncover more about what led to the tragic loss of life on this rural highway.
Wrongful Death Claims
Determining fault in an accident can involve many factors. One key way a personal injury attorney can support families after the loss of a loved one is by helping to establish legal responsibility.
If someone else is found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially to blame.
