A car accident caused by an old bicycle that was abandoned on Highway 101 proved fatal for 44-year-old Tonia Marie Evans, The Willits News reports. California Highway Patrol officials say that the fatal car accident occurred when a 2001 Subaru driven by Saskia Martin, 37, swerved into opposing lanes of traffic while trying to avoid the bicycle in traffic lanes and struck the Toyota 4Runner SUV driven by Evans head-on. Evans was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Allen Evans, 52, and Martin escaped with minor injuries.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Tonia Marie Evans for their devastating loss. I also hope her husband recovers physically and emotionally from this tragic accident. He and other family members, who are grieving Evans' loss, will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but eight injuries involving car accidents in Willits. In Mendocino County as a whole, 26 people died and 439 sustained personal injuries as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Roadway Debris Accident

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that this accident was caused by debris that was dropped on the roadway. In California, a motorist can be fined for dropping anything other than live bird feathers or water from their vehicles onto a roadway. In addition to fines, they can be held civilly and criminally responsible for the consequences of that debris on our roadways.

Compensation Issues

In cases where individuals are injured or killed by roadway debris, the injured victim or the family of the deceased victim has a right to compensation. They can seek compensation not only from the person who drops the debris on the roadway, but also from their own "uninsured/underinsured motorist" provision of their car insurance policy. If the person responsible for the debris on the highway is never identified or found, the uninsured motorist provision of their own auto insurance policy could compensate the injured victim or the family of a deceased auto accident victim.

Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will inform them about how their auto insurance policy applies to a roadway debris accident.

Have you ever had a close call on the roadway as a result of debris?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.