Deadly collision happened along Highway 99 south of Tehama-Vina Road, authorities say
TEHAMA, CA, (October 15, 2024) - A head-on collision on Oct. 15 north of Chico has claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman and her unborn child, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The pregnant woman was identified as Ruth Kibbee.
Ruth Kibbee, a 22-year-old Chico resident, and her unborn child were killed following a crash involving a suspected drunk driver in Tehama County on Oct. 15, according to the CHP's report.
Based on a preliminary investigation, a Ford Expedition driven by a 43-year-old man was traveling southbound on Highway 99 south of Tehama-Vina Road at high speed. The driver of the SUV reportedly lost control, veered into the northbound lane, and slammed into a Honda Accord driven by a Gerber woman. Shortly after, the SUV then crashed head-on into a Toyota Prius driven by Chico resident Kibbee.
The Gerber resident sustained minor injuries in the crash, according to the CHP.
The 43-year-old driver of the Ford faces multiple charges, including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is always dangerous, not only for intoxicated drivers but for other people on the road.
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.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Ruth Kibbee 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 Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“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.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. 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).