A tragic two-car crash in Sutter County California killed two people and injured several others.

The collision occurred on Sunday, May 28 at roughly 1:35 PM on Larkin Road north of Riviera Road, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP). A 49-year-old man from Oroville was driving a 2009 Toyota Camry when he collided head-on with a 2013 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Exposed airbags depicted in vehicle after crash accident

Larkin road, a two-lane highway between Live Oak and Gridley, saw the Toyota driver going south when the driver attempted to go around traffic. That’s when it crossed into opposing, northbound traffic. The Toyota driver suffered major injuries in the collision and was taken to Enloe Medical Center for treatment. Enloe is in Chico.

The two passengers in the Toyota were a 59-year-old woman form Oroville and a 52-year-old man from Fairfield – both died from the injuries they sustained in the collision.

The driver of the Ford pickup truck was a 60-year-old man from Santa Maria. He suffered moderate injuries. There were also two passengers in the Ford F-150, a 62-year-old from Santa Maria and a 47-year-old from Gridley. They both suffered major injuries.

“It’s mind-boggling how someone could make this kind of mistake while driving on a two-lane highway,” said Sutter County car accident attorney Jerry Singleton. “It’s unbelievable that two people are dead and several more are hoping they recover from serious injuries. Our thoughts go out to the injured people as well as their families.”

To contact the Yuba-Sutter County personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber, call 530-203-5475 or email info@singletonschreiber.com

Oroville Pickup Truck Accident

In this case, the emergency responders took all three of the injured people in the Ford F-150 to Adventist Rideout Hospital, which is located in Marysville, for treatment.

The CHP is doing a thorough investigation into the collision, but the agency does not currently believe that alcohol or drugs were involved. However, according to the Sacramento Bee, they are asking people to contact the CHP if they have more information.

Sutter County, located in Northern California, is known for its scenic landscapes and rural communities. However, like any other region, it experiences its fair share of road accidents. Among the various types of vehicles involved in these accidents, pickup trucks often play a significant role. 

Several factors contribute to pickup truck accidents in Sutter County. One primary cause is reckless driving, including speeding, tailgating, and aggressive maneuvering. Additionally, distracted driving, such as texting or using mobile devices while behind the wheel, poses a significant risk. Sutter County’s rural nature also means that pickups are frequently used for transporting heavy loads, which can affect their stability and increase the likelihood of accidents.

In this case, the Toyota was trying to pass up traffic and that led to the collision with the pickup. In fact, the pickup truck actually protected the passengers and driver. The passengers of the Toyota were killed, while the Ford F-150 passengers suffered major injuries, but are still alive.

The consequences of pickup truck accidents in Sutter County can be severe. Due to their larger size and weight, pickup trucks often cause more significant damage and injuries compared to smaller vehicles. Occupants of both the pickup trucks and other involved vehicles may suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. In some unfortunate cases, fatalities occur, leaving families devastated.

Improving infrastructure and road safety measures can make a difference in preventing these accidents. Sutter County should invest in regular road maintenance, including repairing potholes and ensuring proper signage. Additionally, installing speed bumps, rumble strips, and guardrails in accident-prone areas can help reduce the occurrence of accidents.

Promoting driver education and training programs specific to pickup truck operators is crucial. These programs should focus on teaching proper loading and weight distribution techniques to minimize the risks associated with carrying heavy loads. Educating drivers about defensive driving strategies and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations can significantly contribute to accident prevention.

“At the end of the day, the driver of the Toyota Camry should have known better,” Mr. Singleton added. “Now, the two passengers in his vehicle are dead, and several others may never be the same. Those in the pickup truck are eligible for compensation under California law. They will likely have huge medical bills, long physical therapy sessions, and may need help at home to recover properly. The families of the two people killed in the Camry are also eligible for wrongful death compensation. They need a personal injury attorney who can help them get what they need.”

To contact the Yuba-Sutter County personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber, call 530-203-5475 or email info@singletonschreiber.com