[03-23-2023] Contra Costa County, CA – Pursuit Led to Two-Car Collision Near Hercules, Mother Killed and Twins Injured

A mother was killed, and two kids were injured after a pursuit caused a two-vehicle collision near Hercules on Thursday night, March 23, 2023.

According to authorities, the deadly crash transpired around 7:27 p.m. on Interstate Highway 80 along Willow Avenue.

Reports stated that a stolen 2021 Mazda SUV traveling eastbound toward Hercules was driven by 20-year-old Ralph W. III. The vehicle was seen exiting the highway onto northbound Willow Avenue.

When the vehicle was identified, it began to accelerate, and an officer pursued it briefly before colliding with a 2017 Nissan traveling south on Willow Avenue.

Due to the impact, the 31-year-old Nisan driver, the mother of twin boys in the car, was killed and pronounced dead at the scene. The twin boys were transported to the hospital, and one was in critical condition.

The Mazda driver exited the vehicle and ran northbound on Parker Avenue. Officers established a perimeter, and he was apprehended a short time later.

The suspect faces charges of suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, possession of a stolen vehicle, and three counts of pursuit causing death or serious bodily injury.

Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision Statistics

Based on the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 35,766 motor vehicle fatalities occurred in the United States in 2020, resulting in 38,824 casualties. According to estimates, 11.7 deaths per 100,000 people and one death for every 100 million miles traveled.

In 2021, the number of traffic fatalities in California was expected to increase from 3847 to 4,258.

Human error is the primary cause of car accidents, such as speeding, drunk driving, or texting while driving. These factors can contribute to an accident, including the weather, road design, and cars.

You should keep a safe distance from traffic ahead and behind you, be alert for potential hazards, and obey all traffic laws. The number of fatal traffic crashes continues to rise despite these precautions.

What Should You Do Following an Accident?

In case of an accident, we can help you obtain a police report.

Tell us what happened and where, and we can assist you. Then we’ll contact the relevant parties and get you all the necessary information.

Your insurance will cover all damage and injuries, so you won’t have to worry about that – we’ll guarantee that everything is covered!

Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Hercules

Car accident victims frequently die or suffer serious injuries. The force of the impact can cause lacerations, broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and scratches.

Those legally responsible for a loved one’s death are held accountable in wrongful death lawsuits. In various circumstances, a judge may issue a financial restitution order.

While the investigation is ongoing, victims must file a case.

Whether you were injured or a loved one was killed in an accident, our Hercules car accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are committed to assisting you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Over the last few years, our firm has successfully recovered $500,000,000 for car accident victims. Our car accident lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to win your case regardless of what caused the accident, who was at fault, what the law says, or what injuries were sustained.

We can assist you in defending your legal rights following a California car accident. To arrange a free consultation, call us today at (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form online.