[09-21-2024] Stanislaus County, CA – 11-Month-Old Baby Dies Following Multi-Vehicle Collision on Highway 132

An 11-month-old baby was killed following a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 132 in Stanislaus County on Saturday afternoon, September 21, 2024.

According to Officer Thomas Olsen of the California Highway Patrol, a five-vehicle collision was reported around 1:00 p.m. near Vernalis.

Initial investigations revealed that Renteria C. made a left turn and partially crossed the double yellow lines, sideswiping a 2012 Honda SUV before colliding head-on with a 2021 Toyota sedan in which the baby was riding.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the baby, a girl from Ceres, was in a forward-facing car seat. The child was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center with major injuries sustained in the collision but died the day after the incident.

The crash also resulted in the death of 26-year-old Jairo C. of Ceres, who died at the scene. Three additional individuals were injured in the accident.

As of now, it remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. All individuals involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Talk To Our Reliable Car Accident Attorneys In Stanislaus 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 Stanislaus County personal injury law firm, and we’d be more than willing to provide.

Arash Law’s reliable car accident lawyers provide free initial consultations. After that, we will 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 Stanislaus 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 $750 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 Stanislaus County

Getting into an accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take can help you stay safe and protect your rights. Whether you are the injured party or a family member of a deceased victim, here’s what you should do following an accident:

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 with 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 Lawyers 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

Vehicle-related injuries and fatalities have seen a slight decline across the United States since 2021. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was a 0.3% decrease in accidents from 2021, though the total number of fatalities still reached 42,795 by the end of 2022. While this marks a steady decline from the 46,980 fatalities recorded in 2020, the overall number of accidents remains around 40,000 annually.

The National Safety Council (NSC) also reported a significant increase in fatalities in 2020, with 42,338 deaths resulting from automobile accidents—a sharp rise compared to 39,107 fatalities in 2019. In California alone, traffic-related accidents claimed 3,847 lives in 2020.