Head-On Crash Occurs on State Route 20
A major injury head-on crash was reported on June 24 in Redwood Valley near Ukiah involving two sedans. The crash occurred around 5:37 a.m. along California State Route 20 at Calpella Road. Both the westbound and number two lane along the eastbound sides of the highway were blocked, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and a large debris field across the roadway resulted.
One Person Hospitalized Following Head-On Crash
Traffic control was required to handle oncoming vehicles as the site was cleared. One of the sedans sustained major front-end damage. The other sedan showed both front and rear damage as a result of the accident. The individual who suffered a major injury was transported to Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center for care and evaluation. An evaluation of the cause of the accident is being undertaken by the CHP traffic crash unit.
Head-On Crash Causes Along Rural Highways
Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents, particularly along rural highways. When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of impact is greater than that of a side-swipe or rear-end accident and often leads to more severe injuries and fatalities. Common causes of head-on collisions along rural highways include the following:
- Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of car crashes on rural highways. Driving while fatigued can cause drivers to drift in and out of lanes without realizing it, leading them to make poor decisions behind the wheel and ultimately causing a head-on collision.
- Impaired driving (i.e., driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol) also increases the risk of a head-on collision in rural areas. Drivers who are impaired may not be able to react quickly enough when faced with an unexpected hazard, such as another vehicle coming straight at them.
- Distracted driving is a major issue on all kinds of roads, but it can be particularly dangerous along rural highways where there are fewer other drivers and less people around to spot distracted behavior. Texting while driving, for example, can make it harder for drivers to keep their eyes on the road and recognize potential hazards ahead of time.
- Speeding is another common cause of crashes along rural highways; going too fast reduces the driver’s ability to adjust to changes in the road or environment and react quickly enough to avoid a head-on collision.
- Tailgating reduces the amount of time drivers have to spot potential hazards and respond accordingly; if a driver is following too closely behind another vehicle, they may not be able to react fast enough when faced with an unexpected obstacle.
Head-on crash injuries are often severe and cause long hospitalization, possible surgeries and the inability to work. An injury lawyer can determine the cause of the accident and fault. If the other driver was responsible, they may be held liable for personal injury damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
According to accident attorney Ed Smith, here are some tips to consider when finding a personal injury attorney:
Ukiah Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Ukiah personal injury attorney. When negligent motorists cause an accident, those who suffer injuries may be able to recover compensation. Please contact one of our accident attorneys at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice about your case. We also have an online message form you can use. Ask questions, receive an evaluation of your case and learn what options are available to collect damages.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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