A 35-year-old man was killed, while six others were injured after a two-vehicle head-on collision in Murphys, Calaveras County, on Thursday afternoon, July 20, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Highway 4, east of Utica Powerhouse Road, around 3:28 p.m.
As the man from Bakersfield drove his 2003 Toyota Camry westbound on the highway at about 45 mph, he deviated off the road onto the north dirt shoulder. He then veered back onto the road and into the eastbound lane, right into the path of a 2006 Toyota Tundra, resulting in a head-on collision.
Louis S., a 68-year-old man from Sonora, and three juveniles sustained minor to moderate injuries in the collision, while the driver of the Camry suffered fatal injuries, and his two passengers were injured.
Sweet and the two passengers of the Camry were taken to Modesto Memorial Hospital for treatment. At the same time, the three juveniles were picked up by family members at the scene of the accident.
No information was released regarding the identities of the deceased and the passengers.
Fatigue or distracted driving, not drugs or alcohol, is believed to have been a contributing factor in this incident.
Dedicated Car Accident Lawyers Specializing in Head-On Collisions in Calaveras County
An injured person or the family of a deceased person may sue a negligent driver who caused their injuries or death. Hiring a personal injury attorney can be beneficial if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident.
You can discuss your case with our skilled legal team for free, during which we will evaluate the unique details of your case, clarify the legal process involved, and consider relevant factors that may impact your compensation.
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What to Do After a Car Accident
Anyone can be involved in a car accident at any time. Because of this, we need to be prepared at all times. A car accident victim knows how vital it is to be prepared. If you are the victim or the family of the victim killed, you should understand that the words and actions you take at the scene of the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your claim or lawsuit. To maximize the value of your injury claim, follow these recommendations:
- 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.
- 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 reputable car accident lawyers in California who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights during this challenging time.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision Statistics
There is a car accident in the United States every 60 seconds. People between the ages of 2 and 34 are most likely to die or sustain severe injuries in auto accidents in the country. Approximately two million people are killed or injured annually.
California has over 10,000 traffic fatalities each year, many of them unintentional. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were 35,766 fatal crashes and 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
Since 2013, the state has had 23.5% more fatal car accidents. In 2017, there were 485,866 car accidents, resulting in 3,898 deaths and 276,823 injuries. In 2018, nine people were killed in traffic for every 100,000 residents in the state.
It is possible to kill or injure someone even when driving cautiously. Practicing safe driving habits and staying alert at all times is critical to avoid becoming a statistic.