A Tuesday night car wreck on U.S. 97 resulted in three deaths and two critical injuries. The collision happened around 11:45pm on U.S. 97 just north of Deer Mountain Lodge. A 21-year-old driving a 2001 GMC Jimmy was driving at speeds around 60mph without chains, said California Highway Patrol. Nearby, a 61-year-old resident of Hood River Oregon was driving a chained tractor-trailer. There was snow and slush on the roadway, resulting in chain requirements and 25mph speed limits. The Jimmy lost control and skidded across the center lines into oncoming traffic, hitting the semi-truck. Three occupants inside the vehicle were ejected.
According to news reports, the occupants of the GMC Jimmy who weren’t wearing seat belts were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The other two occupants are in critical condition and being treated. The CHP warned other drivers to lower their speeds when weather conditions are problematic. “It is incumbent upon all motorists to slow in such conditions so that tragedies like this can be avoided,” a press release stated. As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, my thoughts are with the families of those involved in this wreck. If you or a loved one were injured due to a negligent driver, discuss your case with a qualified car accident attorney Los Angeles.
