[12-06-2024] Contra Costa County, CA – Teen Driver Crashes Truck Into Guard Booth, Killing One Guard in Discovery Bay

A teenager was arrested after crashing a truck into a guard booth, killing one guard, and injuring another in Discovery Bay, Contra Costa County, late Friday night, December 6, 2024.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred outside The Lakes, a gated community.

The teen driver, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to a Walnut Creek hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.

Field sobriety tests were conducted at the scene, and authorities stated that alcohol did not appear to have been a factor in the incident.

Pastor Marcus Burns, present at the scene on Saturday, identified the deceased guard as a maintenance worker and a member of his congregation at Bethlehem Temple World of Faith in Berkeley. Pastor Burns described the man as kind and helpful, noting that he was not a regular guard but had been filling in on Friday night.

The incident remains under investigation.

Call The Skilled Car Accident Lawyers In Contra Costa County

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Consult with one of our personal injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., for guidance on your car accident case. Arash Law is ready to assist you!

Our trusted Contra Costa County car accident lawyers will evaluate your case, discuss the next steps, and consider all factors that could impact your settlement amount. Moreover, they can help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.

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To speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Contra Costa County

Car accidents, whether minor fender-benders or severe collisions, can be overwhelming and disorienting. Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath is crucial for protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a deceased loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:

1. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm, and try your best to regain composure.
2. Get To A Safe Location – Move your vehicle or pull over to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to warn other motorists of the accident. This gives them a heads-up to slow down as they approach. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911 – Call the authorities to report your accident as soon as possible. The police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – This is a common mistake people make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer, but never admit fault or say “sorry.” Nevertheless, 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 to report your crash.
8. Speak To Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster but do not give away any more information than is necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
9. Create A File – Keep accident-related documents together and 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 – When in doubt, call us at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. 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. Our California car accident lawyers are here for you. Our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, motor-vehicle-related deaths were most often caused by collisions between vehicles, but these crashes accounted for less than half (43%) of total fatalities. The second leading cause was crashes involving fixed objects, responsible for over 26% of deaths. Other significant causes included pedestrian incidents and non-collision events like rollovers.

While vehicle-to-vehicle collisions caused less than half of all fatalities, they contributed to the majority of injuries, accounting for 78% of all injuries, 71% of injury-related crashes, and 71% of all motor-vehicle incidents.

In contrast, single-vehicle crashes—such as collisions with fixed objects, pedestrian accidents, and rollovers—resulted in a higher proportion of fatalities and fatal crashes. These types of incidents made up 54% of deaths and 56% of fatal crashes but only 25% or less of total injuries, injury-related crashes, and overall incidents.

Among vehicle collisions, angle crashes were the deadliest, causing approximately 8,800 deaths in 2022.