Napa Driver Involved in Major Injury Crash

I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Napa. Several people were injured in a crash on Monday, April 16, 2018, that authorities from California Highway Patrol (CHP) suspect to have been caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol. Among those involved in the crash was a resident of Napa, whose vehicle was struck head-on by an alleged drunk driver. CHP reports indicate that a 47-year-old man from Clearlake had been driving a Saturn sedan eastbound on River Road close to the intersection of Laughlin Road in unincorporated Sonoma County north of Santa Rosa. At approximately 6:30 a.m., the Saturn reportedly drifted west into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a Ford-450 being driven by Jeffrey Rogers Jr., a 50-year-old Napa resident.

After this initial collision, the Saturn and the Ford both struck a 4Runner and Toyota Corolla that had been driving in the eastbound lane. The four vehicles eventually came to a rest, entirely blocking the roadway.

Response and Injuries

Staff from the Windsor, Rincon Valley, and Santa Rosa Fire departments all assisted in responding to this accident. Responding medical officials found the driver of the Saturn with serious injuries and had him transported to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. The passenger of the Saturn, identified as 27-year-old Corrie Reed, was also found with severe injuries and was taken by ambulance to the same hospital.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as 54-year-old Guerneville resident Hermangildo Rojas, as well as the three male passengers of his vehicle, were all reportedly taken to the Memorial Hospital as well. Medical officials described the four men’s injuries as moderate.

The driver of the Ford reportedly did not receiving any injuries as a result of the accident.

Investigation

River Road near the Laughlin Road intersection was closed to traffic for nearly three hours after the collision occurred while CHP officials investigated the crash scene and workers cleared the roadway of dangerous debris. Wreckage from the accident was sent flying as far as 200 yards away from the initial site of the collision.

Officials stated that, after being taken to the hospital, the driver of the Saturn was placed under arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. Additionally, CHP says that motorists in the area at the time of the accident indicated that the driver of the Saturn had been operating his vehicle recklessly before the crash.

DUI and Liability

When a driver is determined to have been intoxicated at the time of an accident, they are always considered to have been negligently operating their vehicle under California Law and can be held responsible for paying for injuries and damages related to the accident they caused.

However, DUI drivers aren’t always the only at-fault parties in vehicle accidents. Parties who supplied either alcohol or vehicle access to the drunk driver can also sometimes be held financially responsible. These parties can include vehicle rental services, bars, restaurants, and more. To learn more about the complexities of injury claims involving DUI, see my website.

More by Ed Smith, Napa Personal Injury Lawyer

Napa Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Napa. An accident has the potential to change an individual’s life. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash, please call (707) 564-1900 for friendly advice without charge. Callers can also use (800) 404-5400 or contact me online at AutoAccident.com.

For 36 years, I have served Napa residents to help them to recover the funds they are owed for wrongful death and personal injury claims.

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I’m the founder of AutoAccident.com, Northern CA’s top site for personal injury and auto accident news, data, and info.

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Napa Driver Involved in Major Injury Crash