One Fatally Injured After Collision on Highway 53
On Saturday, December 5, 2020, one person suffered fatal injuries as the result of a crash on Highway 53 near Clearlake. California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the crash occurred in the afternoon and involved one passenger vehicle. Lake County officials are withholding the decedent’s identity at this time but did report that he was a male in his 60’s. No other individuals were reported to have been involved in the collision, and the cause of the accident remains under CHP investigation at this time.
Incident Details
The accident happened shortly prior to 1:50 p.m. on Highway 53 near the intersection of Olympic Drive on the very northern edge of the city. CHP spokesperson Ryan Peterson reported that officers have conducted preliminary investigations and believe that the decedent was driving an early 2000s model Chrysler PT Cruiser northbound on the highway just prior to the accident.
As he was heading north, the driver apparently lost control of the PT Cruiser, and the car drifted off the road. After leaving the highway, the Chrysler continued a short distance before crashing head-on into a tree, causing extreme damage to the car’s front end. According to police, the driver was ejected through a window during the collision.
Additionally, reports indicated that the collision started a small fire. However, the fire did not spread to a significant area.
Response
Responders were immediately dispatched to the scene after the crash was reported. Both CHP and the Lake County Fire Protection District assisted with accident response, and when officials arrived on-scene, they found the driver lying on the ground in front of the Chrysler. Paramedics determined that he had sustained critical injuries. Tragically, he succumbed to his trauma on-site.
Investigation
As a full-scale investigation into this accident is ongoing, officers haven’t stated what factors they suspect to have played a role in this accident. Additionally, CHP urges any accident witnesses or people with relevant information to get in touch and assist with investigations. Those looking to report what they know should call (707) 994-8251 extension 507 and ask for Officer Mauricio Barreto.
Conducting investigations into accidents with no surviving parties can be a very difficult task, and police often aren’t able to fully understand what took place. Sadly, this can leave families without the ability to claim the compensation they deserve. To ensure you and your family’s rights are protected, it’s best to work with a Clearlake wrongful death lawyer who can privately investigate the accident.
Wrongful Death Damages
Losing a loved one is a tragedy, and those affected by deadly accidents can feel emotionally overwhelmed. Coping with grief can be difficult, especially for families who’ve been left in a serious financial situation because of their loss.
To make sure that you and your family have financial security during a hard time, it is possible to pursue compensation from insurance companies and at-fault parties by filing a wrongful death claim. If you’d like more information about the payments available through these claims, take a moment to watch this video:
Other Blogs by Ed Smith, Clearlake Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Children Injured During Clearlake Collision
- What are Clearlake Wrongful Death Lawyers?
- Woman from Clearlake Killed During Car Accident
Clearlake Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Clearlake wrongful death lawyer. Those who’ve lost loved ones in auto accidents deserve legal help. For free, friendly advice about your case, call our firm at (800) 404-5400 or (707) 564-1900 as soon as possible.
We’ve worked with people living in the Clearlake area for 38 years and have many previous verdicts and case settlements. To read what our clients have written about our work, visit our profiles on:
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