[07-27-2023] Butte County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Hospitalized After Head-On Two-Vehicle Collision in Forest Franch

One person was killed, while another was hospitalized after a head-on two-vehicle collision in Butte County on Thursday afternoon, July 27, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the accident on Highway 32 near Nopel Road in Forest Ranch at 3:15 p.m.

According to the authorities, a red Ford car was traveling eastbound while a white car was traveling westbound. As it approached the turn, the red vehicle crossed the double yellow lines and collided with the westbound vehicle.

The 87-year-old Chico man inside the white car died after authorities spent an hour trying to extricate him from the wreckage. 74-year-old Margaret T. of Forest Ranch, inside the red car, suffered severe injuries and was transported to Enloe Medical Center by helicopter.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released until the next of kin or family is notified. Police are investigating whether distracted driving, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the crash.

Dedicated Car Accident Lawyers in Butte County

If a negligent driver kills or severely injures a victim, the victim’s family may pursue compensation. A personal injury attorney should investigate an auto accident that resulted in an unintended injury or fatality.

Our legal team will evaluate your case, review the following steps, and discuss anything that might affect your settlement in this free consultation.

Our reliable Butte 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 $750 Million.

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

It is possible to prepare for car accidents, even though they cannot be anticipated. Maintain your composure in an accident by keeping a checklist in your glove compartment. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how to protect your rights. These guidelines can help you:

• Remain calm and remain at the scene to ensure safety. You should check yourself for injuries before helping others.
• Stay in a safe location until the authorities arrive. 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. Call the police unless the collision was minimal, no one was hurt, and no property was damaged. The police can investigate by speaking with prospective witnesses and gathering 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. Consult a specialist or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Receiving immediate medical care can lessen the severity of injuries.
• Report it to your insurance company. Insurance companies in California have different deadlines for reporting accidents.
• 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 an experienced California car accident lawyer.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident Statistics

Auto accidents are the primary cause of fatalities and injuries in the United States. Automobile incidents result in nearly two million fatalities and ten million injuries yearly.

According to the National Safety Council, traffic fatalities increased 8.3% in 2020. Approximately 46,980 people were killed in vehicle accidents in 2021. United States car accidents claimed 39,107 lives in 2019. The number was 42,338 in 2020.

The number of traffic deaths in California in 2020 was 3,847. One-car accidents caused 59 percent of all fatalities. A total of 1,600 fatalities were caused by multiple-vehicle collisions (41%).

It was found that 72% of collisions involved two vehicles, 71% of injuries were caused by collisions, and 77% were caused by collisions involving two vehicles. A total of 8,000 people died and were injured in angle collisions in 2020.