Murphys Man Files Claim Against County Following Fatal Accident

San Andreas, CA — A Murphys man is pinning responsibility for a fatal automobile accident on Calaveras County, because he says the county maintains the stretch of road where the crash occurred.

The claim filed by Steven Snowden stems from an accident in June of 2004 in which 47-year-old Kenneth Darby was killed.

Police reports indicate that Snowden was rounding a blind curve on French Gulch Road when he collided with Darby´s motorcycle.

Darby´s sons and widow filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Snowden earlier this year.

The claim asserts that the county was negligent in “creating, maintaining and controlling a dangerous condition.”

County Counsel James Jones will advise the Board of Supervisors to reject the claim today, which means Snowden would have to file a lawsuit.

Jones says that the county is full of narrow roads and blind curves and motorists are required to use them with due care.