A 90-year-old woman was killed, and a 48-year-old man was injured after a reckless two-vehicle collision in Petaluma on Monday afternoon, November 13, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 4:42 p.m. on northbound Highway 101, south of East Washington Street.
A Honda CR-V and a Range Rover were involved in the crash, and it started when the woman driving the Honda was going behind the SUV. The Range Rover was traveling only a few miles per hour because of the traffic, but the Honda slammed into the back of it at an unsafe speed.
The woman sustained major injuries and was taken to the hospital, but she later died. Also, the man in the other vehicle was taken to the hospital with moderate to minor injuries.
The identity of the woman was not disclosed until her family was notified. Further details about the crash are not available at this time.
Experienced Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys in Petaluma, Sonoma County
A person who has suffered damages due to another driver’s negligence may be entitled to compensation. It is best to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer after being injured in a car accident.
You will receive a free case evaluation that will give you an overview of the case, a discussion about the settlement, and a guide on filing an insurance claim to prepare you for the legal process.
Obtain competent legal advice from our Sonoma County reckless-driving accident attorneys at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who are prepared to help you submit your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court. We have recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and have earned a reputation as one of the best law firms in the state.
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 Reckless Driving Accident
No one can predict a reckless driving accident, but you can prepare for one. A reckless driving accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a crash. It can tell you what to do and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a reckless driving accident:
- Don’t panic – Stay on the scene and be sure everyone is fine. Before checking others, check yourself for injuries. Don’t admit fault and remain calm throughout the process.
- Move to a safe place – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Use your emergency flashers to prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to await the police.
- Contact 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was minor, without any injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Authorities can record the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official document.
- Exchange information – Swap names, telephone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
- Don’t admit fault – Stick only to what occurred when talking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
- Seek medical attention – Visit the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can decrease the damage you suffer from injuries.
- Inform your insurance provider – Most insurance companies have time constraints for how soon you have to report an accident. Call quickly and adhere to the agent’s instructions for reporting your crash.
- Speak to insurance adjusters – You might be given a telephone call from the other party’s insurer on the day of the crash. You may speak to the claims adjuster, but don’t give any more information than is needed.
- Create a file – Maintain accident-related files together and organized. Your file should have a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment, and any other files you have collected about the incident.
- Talk to our reckless driving accident lawyers in California. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Fatal Reckless Driving Accident Statistics
The United States has a high rate of automobile accidents and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents declined by 0.3% in 2021, but the rate remained high. A total of 42,795 deaths were expected to occur in 2022.
As reported by the California Highway Patrol, there were about 3,847 accidents in 2020. Approximately 41% of traffic fatalities resulted from collisions between multiple vehicles. The majority of fatal accidents involve a single vehicle in 59% of cases.
California Office of Traffic Safety data shows that Petaluma had 34 speed-related crashes in 2020. The greatest level of caution is required when driving in a city with an average population of 59,756.