Johnstonville, CA — According to The Sacramento Bee, a multi-vehicle collision on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025, claimed the life of a 47-year-old Susanville woman and left her 10-year-old passenger critically injured.
The crash, allegedly caused by an intoxicated driver, involved five vehicles and led to the arrest of 49-year-old William Dougherty of Sacramento.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred at approximately 7:45 AM at the intersection of Highway 36 and Highway 395.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Dougherty, driving a 1998 Ford van eastbound on Highway 36, approached a group of vehicles stopped at a traffic light that had just turned green. Dougherty
collided with the rear of a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox carrying two passengers.
The impact pushed the Chevrolet into a big rig driven by a Florida resident, triggering a chain reaction involving a Jeep Wrangler and another vehicle. The driver of the Chevrolet died at the scene, while a 10-year-old girl riding with her suffered severe injuries. The child was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for treatment.
Dougherty and four other individuals involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. According to the CHP, Dougherty was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of drugs, and DUI-related charges.
Authorities noted that Dougherty has a history of DUI convictions and now faces a “Watson” DUI murder charge, applicable under California law to drivers with prior DUI convictions who cause fatal crashes.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.