[08-01-2023] Sonoma County, CA – One Person Killed Following Four-Vehicle Collision Involving Moving Van in Lakeville

One person was killed following a four-vehicle collision involving a moving van in Lakeville, Sonoma County, on Tuesday night, August 1, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the accident on State Highway 116 near Stage Gulch Road at around 7:00 p.m.

The collision involved three cars traveling westbound on Highway 116 southeast of Petaluma and a moving van traveling eastbound. There is no information on which vehicle struck another.

A person was killed, and major injuries were sustained in the crash. It is unclear whether they were taken to a hospital for treatment.

It was determined the three cars were a Lexus, a Jeep Cherokee, and a Chevy Camero. The moving van belonged to Atlas Van Lines.

The authorities released no disclosure of the identities as the investigation continues.

Car Accident Lawyers in Sonoma County

Accident investigations become more complicated when multiple vehicles are involved. Those lucky enough to walk away from a car crash may have difficulty processing the loss and suffering they’ve experienced.

You should see a lawyer if you’ve been harmed in a car crash. In a personal injury case, the harmed party can seek monetary compensation. An accomplished lawyer will investigate the wreckage and the surrounding circumstances. No matter who was at fault or how much insurance you have, you should be paid for your losses.

You can rely on our most trusted Sonoma 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 $750 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

Whether you are the injured or the family of the killed victim, it is essential to realize that your words and actions starting at the accident site can substantially affect the outcome of your claim or lawsuit. Consider the following recommendations to maximize the value of your injury claim:

• 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. 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.
• Never 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 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 Multi-Vehicle Accident Statistics

Automobile accidents most commonly cause unintentional deaths and injuries in the US. Every year, two million people pass away in car accidents, while ten million suffer injuries.

The National Safety Council reported that in 2020, there were 8.3 percent more fatal traffic accidents in the United States. This happened after a three-year decline. Car accidents claimed 39,107 lives in 2019. The following year saw 42,338 fatalities.

Furthermore, 3,847 people died in car accidents in California in 2020. There were 1,587 fatalities from collisions involving multiple vehicles or 41% of all crashes. Single-vehicle accidents caused the most fatalities (59%) in traffic accidents.