Three Injured In DUI Crash Near Ukiah
Officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that four people were injured in a car accident south of Ukiah on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Officers said that they suspect the collision was caused by an intoxicated driver who was identified as a 65-year-old man from Eureka. Out of the four injured parties, three reportedly suffered major trauma. Updates on their conditions have not been provided so far.
Crash Information
According to the CHP, the accident happened just after 11:00 a.m. The Eureka man had been driving a Chevrolet SUV northbound on Highway 101 near the community of Hopland. He was traveling on the green bridge over the Russian River when his vehicle veered into southbound lanes. The SUV entered the path of a blue Ford Mustang driven by a 24-year-old who was also identified as a Eureka man. The Ford driver attempted to make collision avoidance maneuvers, but the front right side of the Chevy struck the front right side of the Ford.
Response
The CHP stated that around 12 firefighters from various area agencies responded to the crash. Responders who arrived at the crash scene found that the driver and passenger of the SUV were trapped inside the vehicle, which was dangling over the railing of the bridge and beginning to catch fire. Emergency personnel successfully extricated the two individuals and determined that they had both suffered major injuries. The driver was transported to the Queen of the Valley Hospital while the passenger was taken to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
The driver of the Mustang suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Adventist Health Ukiah Valley hospital. The passenger of the Ford suffered serious trauma and was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial as well.
Arrest
The driver of the Chevy was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs as well as driving with a suspended license. Whether or not the man is currently in hospital custody or in jail was not reported.
DUI and Liability
When people choose to operate a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants, they knowingly put the lives of other people in danger. Because of this, DUI drivers are considered negligent parties in accidents. Those who have suffered injuries in accidents involving a reckless party can often claim compensation by filing personal injury claims. These claims can help people pay for their expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, medicines, and more. Personal injury claims also often help people recover money they’ve lost from taking time off work because of their injuries.
More Articles Written by Ukiah Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith
Ukiah Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Ukiah personal injury lawyer. Negligent drivers often cause serious trauma. If you were hurt in a preventable crash, contact me at (800) 404-5400 or (707) 564-1900 and get free, friendly case advice.
I’ve been working with Ukiah area residents for over 37 years and have helped many people receive the compensation they deserve through settlements and verdicts. You can find out more about me by looking at my online reviews at:
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