Fiery Car Accident in Ukiah Causes Fatal Trauma
On Saturday, August 22, 2020, one person suffered fatal injuries during a fiery auto accident in Ukiah. Authorities of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office have identified the decedent as Garrett Taylor, a 26-year-old resident of Redwood Valley. In addition to the decedent, one other person was injured as a result of the accident. California Highway Patrol (CHP) has indicated that the driver involved in this incident has been placed under arrest on charges, including driving under the influence in relation to the accident.
Crash Information
According to CHP, the accident occurred at around 8:20 a.m. on the southbound side of Highway 101 near the junction at Perkin’s street in Ukiah. Reportedly, an 18-year-old man was driving a Dodge Ram 3500, traveling south on the highway at a high rate of speed prior to the accident. For unknown reasons, the vehicle made a sharp right-hand turn toward the Perkins Street off-ramp. The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle while performing the turn, and the truck drove off-road. The Dodge entered the exit’s gore point and eventually collided with a nearby tree.
As a result of the accident, the Dodge caught fire. According to reports, Taylor had been in the right-front passenger seat of the pickup truck and was pinned inside of the vehicle by the engine compartment, which had protruded into the cabin, as well as a damaged door. While multiple witnesses stopped and attempted to render aid, Taylor was tragically unable to be extricated before he suffered fatal injuries.
Response and Arrest
Multiple agencies assisted with responding to the accident, including CHP as well as the Ukiah Police Department, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, UVFA Fire Department, and Medstar ambulance.
When police reached the site of the fiery accident, they discovered that the driver had suffered minor injuries and had him transported to the Ukiah Valley Medical Center for care. Before sending him into hospital care, police placed the driver under arrest on multiple charges, including a felony count of driving under the influence causing fatal injuries in addition to gross vehicular manslaughter and providing false information to a peace officer. After being cleared by hospital staff, the driver was released into the custody of the Mendocino County Jail.
Wrongful Death Damages
Car accidents are often tragedies and families who’ve lost loved ones can feel totally overwhelmed. Families dealing with grief after car accidents are often unable to focus on emotional healing because of pressing financial issues, including lost income, funeral expenses, and more.
To make sure that you and your family are financially stable during such a difficult time, it’s important to reach out for help from a Ukiah wrongful death lawyer. In many cases, families are able to obtain significant financial compensation by holding at-fault parties responsible following fatal accidents. To learn more, you can take a moment to watch this video:
Other Blogs by Ed A. Smith, Ukiah Wrongful Death Attorney
- Rollover in Ukiah Results in Major Trauma
- What is a Ukiah Wrongful Death Lawyer?
- Man from Ukiah Dead Following Accident
Wrongful Death Attorney in Ukiah
I’m Ed Smith, a Ukiah wrongful death lawyer. Families who lose loved ones in car accidents face a very difficult situation. To receive my free, friendly advice about your legal options following a serious accident, please call me at (707) 564-1900 or at (800) 404-5400.
My law firm has been working with people in the Ukiah area for more than 38 years, and we have achieved many high-value injury case settlements and verdicts for our clients. I’ve received many outstanding reviews on the below websites:
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