Redding Man Killed in Arcata Accident
On Saturday, June 17, 2017, a 35-year-old man from Redding tragically lost his life after being involved in a suspected DUI accident. More about the accident is below.
Accident Details
According to a press release from the Humboldt County chapter of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident took place at about 3:35 a.m. at the exit for South G Street off of the southbound section of Highway 101.
Reportedly, the driver was traveling south at an unknown speed in a 2014 Dodge Journey SUV when he entered the exit for South G Street. CHP said that the driver apparently failed to maneuver properly through the curve at the far end of the exit, causing the vehicle to exit the roadway. After the vehicle drove off of the exit ramp, it collided head-on with a big tree and came to a stop.
Emergency Response
When emergency medical responders first arrived at the scene of the collision, they immediately noticed that the Dodge had received major damages. When they got to the vehicle, they found the driver unresponsive but still alive. Responders also found a passenger in the vehicle who had sustained minor injuries.
The driver was immediately transported by medical ambulance to the Mad River Hospital where he was given treatment for his critical injuries. However, his injuries proved too great and the man was pronounced deceased in the hospital not long after arriving.
Causal Factors
CHP has reported that they suspect driving under the influence to have been a factor that contributed to this accident. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office is currently conducting toxicology tests to confirm whether or not the suspicions are true. It is also possible that speeding caused the driver to be unable to navigate the exit ramp.
DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is to blame for nearly one-third of all auto accident deaths in the United States. Additionally, an estimated 10,000 Americans lose their lives in DUI accidents every year.
Alcohol’s depressive effects on the central nervous system make it more difficult for drivers to make good judgments and react to dangerous roadway conditions. Because of this, drivers who are found to have been drinking before an accident are legally considered to be negligent drivers and are liable to pay for damages incurred as a result of their actions.
Further Liability
Drivers are not the only parties that can be held responsible for DUI collisions. Liability may also fall on parties who improperly supplied alcohol to the drunk driver or provided the drunk driver access to a vehicle. If you or a friend have been drinking, always make sure you have a safe way home.
Related Articles
- What are injury lawyers?
Arcata Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Arcata car accident lawyer. If you, a family member, or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, call me at (707) 564-1900 for friendly advice at no charge. You can also call us at (800) 404-5400 toll-free.
Since 1982, people in the Arcata area with cases involving wrongful death and personal injuries have trusted me to assist them in recovering the money they are legally owed.
Some of my client reviews and ratings are located on Google, Avvo, and Yelp.
I am in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is for U.S. lawyers who’ve won verdicts or reached settlements with more than $1 million dollars of value.
Some of our Past Verdicts and Settlements can be viewed here.
I founded AutoAccident.com and am proud to say it is the number one website in Northern California for getting the info you need on personal injury and auto accidents.
Image Attribution: Wikimedia Commons
:ms bw cv