Thursday's chain-reaction wreck claims life of 78-year-old Sebastopol resident, reports say
SANTA ROSA, CA, (August 29, 2024) - An 11-vehicle crash along State Highway 12 in southwest Santa Rosa on Thursday morning left one person dead and injured seven others, authorities said.
Sebastopol resident Pat LaFortune, 78, was identified as the fatally injured victim of a multi-vehicle wreck that happened late Thursday morning on Highway 12 in southwest Santa Rosa.
The fatality has been identified as Sebastopol resident Pat LaFortune, a former track coach and history teacher.
According to the California Highway Patrol-Santa Rosa, 10 vehicles were stopped at a red light on Highway 12 at Fulton Road around 11:50 a.m. when a dump truck hauling dirt failed to brake in time and slammed into the last car in line, triggering a chain-reaction collision. LaFortune, age 78, was reportedly in the vehicle that was hit first.
Seven people were transported to local hospitals with varying injuries, the CHP said.
The incident is under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Pat LaFortune may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to one of Newsline's national legal analysts now free of charge for a no-obligation.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).