Chico Man Fatally injured in Collision
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico personal injury lawyer. Recently, a crash that happened on a local highway left two people with injuries and cost one man his life. California Highway Patrol (CHP) has stated that the crash involved three vehicles and happened while it was dark outside in a rural location. CHP has also said that one of the drivers involved in the accident has been placed under arrest for charges including DUI as well as gross vehicular manslaughter. Butte County Sheriff’s Office authorities released the identity of the deceased person the day after the crash occurred. The man was identified as Isidro Ramirez, a 68-year-old man from Chico. The injured individuals were identified as Chico women Frania Houchin, a 32-year-old, and Sofia Ramirez, a 64-year-old.
My sympathies are with Isidro Ramirez’s loved ones as they grieve after their terrible loss.
Crash Information
CHP reports say the collision took place at around 11:00 p.m. on Highway 99 close to the small city of Gridley. A 43-year-old man from Sacramento had been driving a 1995 Toyota Camry south along the highway in the area of the Gridley Cemetery. CHP stated that the Camry drove over the highway median and into the northbound lanes.
After entering the oncoming traffic lanes, the Camry crashed into Houchin’s 2017 Toyota RAV4. The impact pushed Houchin’s car into the southbound lane, directly in front of a third motorist. The third driver was not able to avoid Houchin and struck her vehicle.
The RAV4 and the third car came to a stop on the road while the Camry drove away from the accident. Police later found the Camry driver hiding in the cemetery while conducting a helicopter search.
Response
Emergency personnel who responded to the crash reported that they found Isidro Ramirez with severe trauma and that he tragically passed away before he could be taken to a hospital. Sofia Ramirez was said to have been found with moderate injuries and was driven to a Chico trauma center. Reports state that Houchin suffered minor injuries and that she was taken to a hospital in Oroville.
CHP did not indicate whether or not the driver of the third vehicle received any injuries. The Camry driver was not reported to have been injured.
Arrest
After police located the Camry driver, he was arrested on charges of DUI causing injury, driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run, and manslaughter. After his arrest, the man was booked into the Butte County Jail location in Oroville. At the time of reporting, the driver was still in police custody with no set trial date.
More by Ed Smith, Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico personal injury lawyer. Vehicle accidents are often deadly. If you’ve lost someone important to you in an accident, dial (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400 for free, friendly advice about your case. I can also be reached through AutoAccident.com.
I’ve assisted Chico residents with getting the repayments they deserve for damages in wrongful death and serious personal injury claims for 36 years.
See these websites for reviews from my clients:
I have a membership in the forum for U.S. trial lawyers who’ve settled or won cases that had $1,000,000 or more value – Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Browse my Verdicts and Settlements here.
For useful info and current reports on personal injury and car accidents, check out AutoAccident.com.
“Grief” by brut carniollus via CC0unsplash
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