[03-13-2020] Petaluma, CA – Woman Suffers From Significant Injuries After a Head-On Crash in Petaluma

A 34-year-old woman identified as Rachel Kord attained severe injuries after her car was hit by a driver running on a red light at Highway 101 in Petaluma. 

According to the initial reports from the California Highway Patrol, the incident happened at around 7:42 a.m. The woman reportedly stopped the Ford Focus she was driving at a red light at an intersection. After the light turned green, the woman attempted to turn left to go to south Highway 1010 when she was suddenly struck by a Dodge Ram pickup truck that was running on a red light. 

The driver of the pickup truck was identified as a 37-year-old man named Chad Greenlief. 

The woman was immediately taken to the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Santa Rosa to treat her broken leg. 

It’s still unclear why the pickup driver ran the red light. Authorities don’t consider drugs and alcohol to be a factor in the incident, but the area was reportedly foggy at the time of the incident. Police speculate that the fog may have impaired the driver’s vision. 

Head-On Crash Investigation is Underway

The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the case. No arrests have been made at this time. 

Based on the preliminary reports, it’s clear that the liability falls on the pickup driver as he was proven to have run through a red light. 

Head-on crashes at intersections occur when drivers disregard traffic laws and signals, such as red lights, stop signs, or yield signs. Freeway head-on collisions usually happen when drivers enter the wrong way on on-ramps or off-ramps, sometimes due to intoxication or drug use. 

According to the Federal Highway Administrations, around 40 percent of car collisions occur at road intersections, and the cause is mainly related to running a stop sign or a stoplight. Common factors why these drivers run through stoplights are impatience, reckless driving, and distracted driving. 

When facing head-on car collision cases like this, it’s vital to have an experienced California personal injury attorney specializing in car accidents to conduct an independent investigation. 

Personal injury attorneys have the resources to re-interview important witnesses, review related surveillance footage from the scene of the crash, and collect phone and texting records from the guilty party. 

Personal Injury Attorney in Petaluma, CA

Sustaining significant injuries after a head-on collision can be overwhelming and have the potential to disrupt all aspects of life, such as family, work, and finances. While the investigation is ongoing, the victim is entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit with the help of an experienced California personal injury attorney.

Attorneys can serve as a helpful legal guide for the victim while making sure that their rights and best interests are protected. They will also ensure that the guilty party will be held accountable for their crimes. 

Car accidents happen far too often in California and all over the country. Did you know that every six seconds, another person is injured in a car crash? This terrifying statistic is part of the reason that we are committed to serving car accident victims in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, Riverside, and the rest of California. 

Our years of experience make us uncommonly aware of how a car accident can change your life. Not knowing where to turn post-accident is common, but you should look for a qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Finding someone committed to fighting for you can go a long way towards reducing the anxiety and sadness you feel in the wake of an accident.

If you believe you have grounds to file a claim, retain a local car accident attorney in California near you who can help you navigate car accident laws. Arash Law has decades of experience throughout California and has secured million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our car accident team can investigate your crash, identify the potential defendant(s), and file your claim with the civil court system as quickly as possible. Don’t delay – you’re just a phone call away from learning your legal options.