[05-22-2023] Ventura County, CA – Driver Killed, Three More Hospitalized After Santa Paula Two-Vehicle Collision Possibly Involving Deer

A 51-year-old driver was killed, and three more people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision involving a deer in Santa Paula early Monday morning, May 22, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision happened around 5:35 a.m. in the 11600 block of West Telegraph Road, east of Pistachio Avenue.

A woman named Maria L. and a passenger riding a 2020 Nissan Kicks swerved and struck a 2015 Ford Explorer for unknown reasons, carrying two occupants and trapping one inside.

Lopez died at the scene while three people, including a 60-year-old, 47-year-old, and 26-year-old, were transported to various nearby hospitals after sustaining minor to moderate injuries.

A deer’s corpse was found at the scene, which may have been involved in the fatal collision. However, authorities are investigating further.

Renowned Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Paula, Ventura County

The victim’s family may file a claim for damages if the driver’s negligence causes a fatality or severe injury. You should consult a personal injury lawyer if you were hurt in an unintentional car accident.

During this free consultation, a legal team member with experience will review your case, discuss the following steps, and examine any factors that might impact the final settlement amount.

Our renowned Ventura County car accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have the recognition and vast experience to advocate for accident victims, with awarded compensation totaling $500 million as of yet.

Contact (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Auto accidents cannot be predicted, but they can be prepared for. Keeping a checklist in your glove box will help you stay calm following an accident. It can guide you on what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your rights. You can follow these guidelines:

• Stay calm and remain at the scene to ensure safety. You should check yourself for injuries before helping others.
• Get to a safe location and wait for the authorities. Pull over any vehicles that cannot move to the side of the road. To prevent further collisions, activate your hazard lights.
• Call 911 to report your collision. Unless the accident was minor, there were no injuries, and there was no property damage, call the police. The police can investigate the situation by questioning potential witnesses and collecting evidence.
• Exchange information with all parties involved. Document everything, from your injuries to the weather, road conditions, and the vehicle that hit you.
• Do not admit fault to the police. Give the police officer an honest account of events.
• Seek medical attention. See a specialist or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Receiving immediate medical care can lessen injury severity.
• Report it to your insurance company. Insurance companies in California have different accident reporting deadlines.
• Contact insurance adjusters. You can talk to a claims adjuster but only share the necessary information with them. You should consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer or providing a recorded statement to an insurance company.
• Create a file. Gather and file all paperwork related to the incident, such as the police report, medical bills, details about the other driver, and plans for treating any injuries, in a case file.
• Seek immediate legal counsel from a renowned California car accident lawyer.

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident Statistics

Automobile accidents cause the most accidental deaths and injuries in the US. Auto accidents result in two million fatalities and ten million injuries each year.

National Safety Council reports traffic fatalities nationwide increased by 8.3% in 2020. In 2021, 46,980 people died in motor vehicle accidents.

In 2019, 39,107 people died in car accidents in the United States. By 2020, that number had risen to 42,338.

A total of 3,847 people died in California traffic accidents in 2020. One-car accidents accounted for 2,260 deaths or 59% of the total toll. Collisions involving multiple vehicles accounted for 1,587 (or 41%) of all fatalities.

Two vehicles were involved in the most collisions (72% of all collisions, 71% of collisions that caused injuries, and 77% of all injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.