[05-26-2023] Santa Cruz County, CA – Two-Vehicle Crash Turns into Gunfire, Injuring Two Victims on Highway 1 in Aptos

dThe driver and passenger sustained injuries following a two-vehicle collision that escalated into gunfire in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, on Friday night, May 26, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol said the incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. Freedom Boulevard exit to southbound Highway 1.

According to the report, a two-vehicle crash escalated into gunfire. The collision involved a black or dark gray Acura MDX and another vehicle, prompting both cars to exit at Freedom Boulevard.

At that point, the Acura driver fired multiple shots at the victim.
The driver of the vehicle involved and a young passenger were injured in the incident but have since been discharged from the hospital.

The authorities, including the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol, are actively seeking the suspect, who is described as a black adult male with long hair.

The investigation is ongoing.

Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Cruz County

Suppose a victim suffers serious injuries or loss of life due to a driver’s negligence. In that case, the victim’s family can pursue a legal lawsuit against the responsible driver. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney can be beneficial.

Our knowledgeable team of legal professionals is available to offer a complimentary consultation, evaluate your unique situation, clarify the legal processes involved, and consider various factors that may affect the potential compensation you could receive.

You can rely on our most trusted Santa Cruz County car accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Car Accident

In a car accident resulting in losing a loved one, the victim’s family must be prepared and take necessary precautions. While car accidents can happen unexpectedly, individuals can proactively protect their legal rights by following a prepared checklist stored in the glove compartment of their vehicle. The following steps should be taken in the aftermath of a car accident:

• Stay calm and prioritize safety above all else.
• Move to a secure location and wait for the arrival of law enforcement authorities.
• Dial 911 to report the collision and exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
• Refrain from admitting fault, even when speaking to the police or other individuals involved.
• Seek immediate medical attention for injuries sustained and promptly inform your insurance company about the accident.
• While engaging with insurance adjusters, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers or providing recorded statements.
• Create a comprehensive file and gather all relevant paperwork related to the incident, such as accident reports, medical records, and insurance documents.
• Without delay, seek professional legal counsel from a reputable car accident lawyer in California who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights during this challenging time.

Car Accident Statistics

Vehicle collisions have emerged as a significant contributor to unintentional injuries and fatalities nationally. According to the National Safety Council, there has been a concerning increase of 8.3% in traffic-related fatalities in 2020, resulting in 46,980 deaths.

Specifically, car accidents claimed the lives of 42,338 individuals, surpassing the 39,107 recorded deaths in 2019. In California alone, there were 3,847 fatalities from traffic incidents in 2020. Among these incidents, single-car accidents accounted for 59% of the total, while multi-vehicle collisions comprised 41%.

Side collisions emerged as the most fatal and led to the highest number of injuries within these accidents. Approximately 8,000 side collision incidents were reported in 2020.