Accident on Highway 160 Kills One Driver and Injures Four People
A head-on crash north of Antioch involving two vehicles resulted in a fatality and four injuries. Drunk driving was believed to have contributed to the crash. The accident occurred on May 29 as a San Ramon man in a Mazda, was traveling along southbound Highway 160 near the Antioch Bridge, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Passengers in the vehicle included three minors, a teenage girl and two small boys, neither of which were in car seats or wearing restraints.
Rio Vista Woman Injured by Negligent Driver
The Mazda crossed into oncoming traffic and was involved in a head-on crash with an Audi, driven by a woman from Rio Vista, age 71. After the initial impact, the Mazda passed over onto an embankment, where it experienced a rollover. The Mazda driver died. Officials have recently identified the decedent as Aaron James Price, 38, of San Ramon.
Older Woman and Children Hospitalized After Head-On Crash
The teenager was transported to a Walnut Creek hospital, and the boys were taken by life flights to Sacramento and Oakland hospitals. All three of the children suffered major injuries in the head-on crash, and two were reported in critical condition. The Audi driver was transported to a hospital in the area, also with major injuries, but is in stable condition.
Mass Casualty Accident Being Investigated
Officers from Solano and Sacramento counties both responded to the collision. No information has yet been released on why the driver crossed over into the opposing lane.
The Dangers of a Head-On Crash
A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. Because the speeds of both vehicles are combined upon impact, traumatic injuries and fatalities often occur. When both vehicles are traveling at 55 mph, the combined speed upon impact would be 110 mph, which can be deadly. Injuries can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries may range from a concussion to hemorrhage caused by impact with metal parts of the vehicle’s interior to hitting the windshield.
- Bone fractures in a head-on crash are common, especially in the arms and legs but may occur anywhere, including in the collarbone.
- Spinal cord trauma may result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location of the break. Spinal paralysis usually means the injured party requires full-time help at home or placement in a care facility.
- Abdominal trauma can be caused by direct impact or the seat restraints or airbags. Internal bleeding occurs as well as organ damage, which requires emergency surgery because these conditions are life-threatening.
- Chest injuries are caused by impact with the steering wheel or dash as well as seat restraints and airbag deployment. Damage may include fractured ribs.
Recovery of Compensation Following a Head-On Crash
Those who suffer injuries because of a negligent driver may be able to recover the following compensation with the help of an injury lawyer such as:
- All medical expenses that arise because of the head-on crash can be recovered. This ranges from the ambulance fee to hospitalization, medical tests and medications and rehabilitative care. If the injury is ongoing, future bills from medical expenses are also covered.
- Wages lost because the injured person cannot work can be recovered. If the injured person can no longer do their job, has to take a lower-paying position, or becomes permanently disabled, those costs are factored in also.
- Pain and suffering are compensated, the amount of which can depend on the severity of injuries. Compensation can also be sought for emotional and psychological pain and suffering.
Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, an Antioch personal injury lawyer. Drunk driving and speeding are both types of negligence for which the at-fault party can be held responsible. For free and friendly advice from our injury lawyers on whether you can file a claim to recover compensation, call us at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400. An online form is also available for your use.
Information on how our injury lawyers have assisted others can be found at the links that follow:
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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