Andres Escamilla, 19, was killed in a Fresno car accident, which involved a head-on crash, the morning of January 12, 2012. According to a KFSN news report, the fatal collision occurred on Highway 43 near Laton in Kings County. California Highway Patrol officials say Escamilla was driving a Mazda Miata north on Highway 43 and attempted to pass another vehicle when he hit a Nissan head-on. The Mazda also struck a Honda Civic that was traveling southbound. Escamilla died at the scene. The driver of the Nissan, Susan Pulido, was transported to an area hospital with major injuries. The driver of the Honda, Alejandro Tapia, was uninjured. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Andres Escamilla for their tragic loss. My heart also goes out to Susan Pulido, the victim who has suffered severe injuries in this crash. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 107 injuries involving car accidents on unincorporated state highways in Kings County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 26 lives and injured 487 people, during the same year.

Possible Unsafe Pass

Based on this news report, it appears that Escamilla may have attempted an unsafe lane change, which led to the head-on collision. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

If Escamilla is determined to have been at fault, then, the seriously injured Pulido can seek compensation from his estate and liability insurance. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other related expenses. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.