One person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital after a crash in Ridgecrest on Wednesday afternoon, October 16, 2024.
The collision involving a Honda Pilot and a Lexus GS300 was reported at around 12:51 p.m. on West Ridgecrest Boulevard.
According to Sgt. Ryan Marrone with the Ridgecrest Police Department, one vehicle pulled out of the UPS parking lot without seeing the other vehicle, which was heading eastbound on Ridgecrest Boulevard.
No impairment was suspected in this incident. West Ridgecrest Boulevard was temporarily closed while first responders attended to the drivers, towed the vehicles away, and cleaned transmission fluid from the road.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Reach Out To Our Renowned Car Accident Attorneys In Ridgecrest, CA
A responsible driver can reduce the risk of a collision and prevent serious injuries and fatalities. However, should a car crash occur, the injured civilian and their family members may seek compensation through insurance claims or judicial proceedings.
Arash Law’s acclaimed car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. During these meetings, we scrutinize the details of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and assess crucial factors that may influence the potential compensation you are qualified to receive. We can also help you gather further information or a police report if need be.
Our experienced Ridgecrest car accident attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will provide expert legal advice, assist with your insurance claim, and, if necessary, represent you in court. We are one of California’s most successful personal injury law firms, having recovered more than $500 million for clients.
If you wish to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Steps To Take After A Car Accident In Ridgecrest, CA
Getting into an accident can be stressful, but knowing the right thing to do can help you stay safe and protect your rights.
Whether you are the injured civilian or a relative of a deceased victim, here’s what you should do following an accident:
- Keep Calm – Panic can lead to making rash decisions. Despite the situation, it’s best to remain composed so you can think straight. Remain at the scene and assess everyone’s condition. Check yourself first for injuries, then others.
- Move to Safety – If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers, so as not to pose further potential risks. It also helps to assess your surroundings and be careful of possible falling debris and broken glass from windows. Find a safe place to wait for the police.
- Call 911 – Report your accident to the authorities as soon as possible. They will document the incident and gather information for an official record.
- Provide Information – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other important details.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid admitting fault or apologizing when talking to the authorities or others involved. State all facts when sharing your side of the incident.
- Seek Medical Attention – Head to a hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Prompt medical care can help mitigate the effects of injuries and identify internal injuries.
- Report to Your Insurance Company – California insurers have deadlines for reporting accidents. Inform your insurer promptly and follow the agent’s instructions.
- Coordinate With Caution – You may receive a call from the other party’s insurer soon after the accident. Be careful with the information you provide. Do not record statements or accept settlement offers before consulting an attorney.
- Organize Your Documents – It’s best to have everything you need in one place. Store all accident-related documents, including police reports, medical bills, and other important information, organized in a file.
- Consult Our Accident Lawyers – If in doubt, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. We can look into your case, help with insurance communications, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary. Our California car accident lawyers are here to support you and address your concerns.
Car Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tallied 42,795 fatalities from vehicle accidents in 2022, a minimal decrease of 0.3% compared to the 42,939 deaths reported in 2021.
The fatality rate, which stood at 1.37 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles in 2021, saw a reduced 1.35 deaths that same year. Approximately 1% more Americans were actively involved in driving activities around 2022 compared to the height of the pandemic year.
Moreover, the tally of deaths in the last quarter of 2022 decreased. This signifies the third consecutive quarterly decrease in fatalities, following a trend that happened after seven straight quarterly increases starting in the third quarter of 2020.
As for specific states, California reported roughly 4,407 fatalities in 2022, showing a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year’s tally of 4,285.