Accident on North State Street Involves Two Vehicles
A traffic crash involving two vehicles in Ukiah sent an injured woman to the hospital on April 19. The collision, which appeared to be a head-on crash, happened along North State Street between Masonite Industrial Road and Highway 101 shortly after 1:00 p.m. The accident involved a Toyota Hybrid and Honda, according to the incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and blocked the roadway.
Injured Party Transported to UVMC Following Traffic Crash
Officers with the CHP reported that a woman in one of the vehicles appeared to be injured, and major front-end damage was sustained by both vehicles. The vehicles had to be removed by tow trucks. The injured woman was transported to Ukiah Valley Medical Center for treatment and additional evaluation. The traffic crash is under investigation to determine fault and how it occurred.
The Dangers of a Head-on Traffic Crash
A head-on traffic crash is among the most dangerous types of collisions. Since both vehicles are moving at the time of the impact, the speeds combine. For example, if both vehicles are moving at 50 mph, the impact will be as though a vehicle struck a hard barrier at 100 mph. A head-on collision often results in fatalities and serious trauma such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs are common in a traffic crash of this type. If the individual is not wearing a seat restraint or it breaks, they can impact the windshield or be ejected.
- Chest trauma: The traffic crash impact can cause serious chest trauma such as broken ribs or a collapsed lung.
- Neck injuries: The force of the collision can cause a severe case of cervical strain or sprain. While most cases of cervical sprain heal in several months, others can become chronic, causing pain, difficulty moving the head and other complications.
- Broken bones: Bone fractures commonly occur in all types of collisions but especially in head-on crashes. Because the bodies of those inside are moved forward and then backward at a fast speed, they can strike against the vehicle’s interior.
- Abdominal trauma: Trauma to the abdomen is often caused by the seat restraints, steering wheel or dash. When severe trauma occurs, it can lead to organ damage or internal bleeding, both of which are life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention.
Recovering Compensation Following a Traffic Collision
When someone is injured in a traffic crash, they may be entitled to claim the following compensation:
- Medical costs: Any medical expenses associated with the traffic crash can be recovered. This includes everything from the ambulance fee to hospitalization, rehabilitation and other costs. If the injury has not healed by the time the insurance company or court is considering the claim, future medical expenses are factored into the settlement.
- Lost wages: Wages lost by the inability to work can be recovered, which include any bonuses and insurance and pension benefits. If the injured party has to take a lower-paying job or cannot work in the future due to disability, those losses are factored in up to the age of retirement.
- Pain and suffering compensation: Compensation can be sought for physical, psychological, and emotional pain caused by the accident. It isn’t unusual for those who are injured to suffer nightmares, anxiety, and fear because of their experience. Some develop post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires professional treatment.
Ukiah Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Ukiah car accident lawyer. In California, when you are injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to claim compensation. If you would like to find out more, call our injury lawyers for free and friendly advice at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. An online message form is available to contact us also. By setting up a free consultation, either by coming to our office or virtually, you can ask questions, have your case reviewed and discover what options are available to collect damages.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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