Thomas Whitman, 61, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after his vehicle collided head-on with another car whose driver, officials say, fell asleep at the wheel. According to a news report in The Appeal-Democrat, Whitman was driving a 1999 Hyundai east on Hammonton-Smartville Road in Yuba County the afternoon of July 10, 2010. A 17-year-old boy, who was headed west on the same roadway in a 2001 Toyota, drifted to the eastbound lanes causing Whitman to crash head-on into the Toyota. Two passengers in the Toyota, 18-year-old David Vang and a 12-year-old boy, sustained major injuries. The teen driver suffered moderate injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Thomas Whitman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also pray for the two young people who have sustained major injuries in this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Fatigued Driving, A Real Danger

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, fatigue was a factor in at least 18 percent of all fatal car accidents. The NHTSA also estimates that fatigue on the nation's roadways accounts for about 7 percent of all accidents. The federal agency's report also identifies driver fatigue as one of the main areas of driver behavior that needs to be addressed if the target for reducing the number of serious car accidents by 40 percent, by the year 2010 (we're already there), is to be achieved.

Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that this accident was caused by a fatigued teen driver. In such cases, injured victims or families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. Family members of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim whereas injured victims could seek civil remedies to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What precautions do you take to lessen fatigue while driving?

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.

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