[04-20-2023] Humboldt County, CA – Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision Led to Possible Casualties on Highway 299

A two-vehicle head-on collision resulted in possible casualties in Humboldt County on Thursday afternoon, April 20, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal accident happened at mile marker 14.6 on Highway 299, just west of Willow Creek, at around 12:40 p.m.

The accident involving a white Ford service truck and an SUV reportedly claimed two lives, according to an onlooker’s statement. No official reports have been released yet.

The crash caused a total road closure of the highway in both directions for several hours.

CHP is still investigating how the collision happened.

Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers in Humboldt County

The flourishing state of California is a hotbed for potential car accidents. Navigating 405, 101, 10, 15, 210, 57, 110, 710, 605, or the five on your commute is often bumper-to-bumper, with plenty of opportunities for rear-end collisions. Motorcyclists are free to lane split, running the risk of sideswipe incidents or collisions merging lanes.

Getting around downtown involves hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists. Drivers must pay strict attention at all times. A car crash can occur in the blink of an eye. Driving anywhere in California is risky. The majority of collisions, however, are preventable. In fact, 94% of all accidents are attributable to human error.

Attention to the road, competence behind the wheel, and proper vehicle maintenance can reduce the odds of getting into a collision. Negligence, recklessness, and breaking the law are at the heart of most “accidents.” Our acclaimed car accident law firm in Humboldt County has represented clients in dozens of car crash cases.

Our attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have spent their entire careers practicing personal injury law. We are widely regarded as the leading accident law firm in California. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Two-Vehicle Collision

Automobile accidents are unpredictable, but you can still be ready for them. After a collision, having a checklist for accidents in your glove box can help you remain composed and organized. It can advise you on what to do and avoid and the best strategies to defend your rights. You’re not alone following a collision. Take these steps:

• Make sure everyone is safe and remains on the scene. Be calm, and check for injuries on your body before checking with others.
• If possible, move disabled vehicles to the side of the road. Turn on your emergency flashers to prevent further collisions. Wait for the police in a secure area.
• Call the police to report the collision. The officers will gather data regarding the crash and create an official record.
• You should exchange names, numbers, and insurance information with the other driver in the collision. Take pictures of the vehicles, license plates, and other relevant information.
• Don’t admit fault, even to the police. Focus on the facts when speaking with a police officer.
• Visit the hospital or your primary care physician immediately.
• Insurance companies in California have deadlines for reporting accidents. Report your accident immediately, and follow the agent’s instructions.
• Only reveal the necessary information when speaking with a claims adjuster. Avoid recording statements or accepting insurance settlement offers before speaking with a lawyer.
• Keep and arrange documents related to the accident. A copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s identity, injury treatment plans, and other crucial information should be in your file.
  You can discuss your auto accident with our lawyers in our no-risk, no-obligation consultations—call (888) 488-1391 to contact us.

If you use this checklist, you can emerge from a terrible car accident with optimism about the future. These actions can help you when filing a claim with the California civil courts to pursue damage compensation.

Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision Statistics

In 2020, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported 35,766 fatal vehicle crashes and 38,824 deaths. It resulted in 11.7 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.34 fatalities for every 100 million miles traveled.

Almost half of California’s 10,000 unintentional traffic deaths each year are caused by car accidents. Based on these figures, this problem appears to be quite severe.

Since 2013, fatal auto accidents in the state have increased by 23.5%. Four million eight hundred fifty-seven thousand eight hundred sixty-six car-related accidents resulted in 3,889,980 fatalities and 276,823 injuries in 2017.

Following traffic laws, maintaining a safe following or leading distance, and careful driving is essential. Despite these safety precautions, many fatal car accidents still happen.