[09-05-2024] Ventura County, CA – Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 126 Kills One, Injures Five Others

A three-vehicle crash on Highway 126 east of Wells Road in Ventura County killed one person and injured five others on Thursday afternoon, September 5, 2024.

The collision occurred around 4:50 p.m. near the Edwards Ranch overpass between Ventura and Santa Paula, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A 56-year-old Bakersfield woman, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, died after being transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center. Her identity has not yet been released pending family notification.

Two children, ages 1 and 2, sustained minor injuries, while three adults suffered moderate to major injuries, including a 33-year-old Pomona woman, a 36-year-old Santa Paula man, and the 25-year-old Oxnard woman who was driving a white Toyota Sienna van.

According to CHP, the crash occurred when the Oxnard woman lost control of her vehicle and crossed into the center divider illegally. Her van collided with a Ford Ranger pickup, which then crashed into a Dodge Durango SUV. All three vehicles veered off the roadway and struck a tree on the eastbound highway shoulder.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. There is no additional information immediately available.

Seek Help From Our Renowned Car Accident Attorneys in Ventura County

Responsible driving can reduce the risk of collisions and avoid severe injuries and fatalities. However, when a car accident occurs, the injured party and their family members may seek compensation through insurance claims or legal action. Seek help from our Ventura County personal injury law firm, and we’d be more than willing to provide.

Arash Law’s renowned car accident lawyers provide free initial consultations. During these consultations, we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive. Moreover, they can help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.

Our Ventura County car accident attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will provide expert legal advice, support your insurance claim, and represent you in court if needed. We are among California’s most successful personal injury law firms and have recovered more than $500 Million for 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 Ventura County

It is impossible to predict a car accident, but it is possible to prepare for one. Your rights can be protected if you know what to do and what not to do. When in doubt, call us at (888) 488-1391. You are not alone after a serious collision.

The following steps can help you and your family after a car accident, regardless of whether you are an injured victim or the loved one of a deceased victim:

1. Get to a Safe Location – If possible, Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road. Put on your emergency flashers to help prevent further collisions. Then, get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
2. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. They can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Again, do not admit fault, even to the police. Stick only to what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters – After an accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance adjuster. Don’t give out more information than is necessary. Do not record a statement or accept a settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
9. Create a File – Keep accident-related documents organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so that you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. Our California car accident lawyers can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

Across the country, vehicle-related injuries and fatalities have decreased slightly since 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, despite a decrease of 0.3% from 2021, the number of accidents remains around 40,000, with 42,795 total fatalities by 2022. As compared to the 46,980 fatalities in 2020, the numbers have been declining steadily over the past few years.

National Safety Council statistics show that in 2020, automobile accidents led to 42,338 deaths, a significant increase over the 39,107 fatalities recorded in the previous year. Just in California, traffic-related fatalities accounted for 3,847 deaths.