Major Injuries in Suspected DUI Crash in Chico
On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 17th, one person was hospitalized with major injuries following a suspected DUI crash on Cohasset Road in Chico, California.
Details of the Cohasset Road Accident
The collision occurred on Cohasset at its intersection with Azalea Avenue at approximately 2:47 p.m., according to a report from the Chico Police Department (CPD). The two involved vehicles were a Dodge Charger and a Mazda 3. Witnesses to the events that led up to the collision reported that the Charger was traveling north on Cohasset Road at a high rate of speed.
CPD gathered physical evidence and took statements at the scene. Their investigation revealed that the Mazda had taken a southbound, left-hand turn from Azalea Avenue onto Cohasset Road at the same time that the Dodge Charger was speeding northbound on Cohasset Road. The two vehicles collided nearly head-on in the area near the center turn lane. Witnesses reported that the Charger was traveling at a speed more consistent with the highway than a surface street. The speed limit on Cohasset Road is 40 miles per hour.
The violent impact drove the Mazda in the opposite direction, more than 90 feet from the crash site. The engine block was completely dislodged from the vehicle.
Both the Charger and the Mazda sustained major damage from the impact.
Condition of the Involved Parties
The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Charger was a 23-year-old man from Chico. He remained at the scene and spoke with investigators. During the interview, he was noted to be exhibiting signs of drug use and intoxication, according to CPD officials. Additionally, the vehicle underwent a search as part of the accident investigation. A handgun and loaded magazine were found during that search. The man was ultimately arrested on suspicion of Felony DUI (drugs and alcohol), criminal storage of a firearm, and concealed carry of a firearm. He sustained minor injuries in the crash and received medical treatment before being released to incarceration at Butte County Jail. His bail was set at $81,000.
Both occupants of the Mazda suffered injuries in the crash. The driver was taken by ambulance to Enloe Medical Center for treatment of major injuries. The passenger, who was the 17-year-old son of the driver, was also injured. He was transported from the scene by family members.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below from NBC News discusses the rise in drugged driving incidents.
Cohasset Road Accident Investigation
Because the injuries sustained by the Mazda driver were so severe, the crash investigation was assigned to CPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team.
Cohasset Road from Pillsbury to Lindo Lane was closed for more than five hours while the accident scene was processed.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Chico
Thank you for reading our report on this major injury accident on Cohasset Road in Chico. I’m Ed Smith, and I have been an advocate for injured Chico residents and other Northern Californians as a Chico personal injury attorney for close to four decades. Unfortunately, incidents of impaired and distracted driving are on the rise. Accidents related to impaired and distracted driving are also increasing. Injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident can be life-changing. Not only do they result in medical expenses and income loss, but they affect the quality of life of the injured person. In order to ensure that all the damages that result from a car crash caused by negligence are recovered, we suggest consulting with an experienced injury lawyer. Doing so not only protects your legal rights but it allows you the energy and time to focus on healing. To receive our compassionate, free, and friendly advice, call us at (530) 392-9400. If you will be calling from another area code, please feel free to use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
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