[12-19-2022] Sonoma County, CA – Two Killed, Three More Injured After Jeeps Fell into a Ravine

Two people were killed and three more were injured when two Jeeps plummeted nearly 300 feet into a ravine in rural Sonoma County on Monday evening, December 19, 2022.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash involving two vehicles occurred at the Happy Hills Hunting Club.

The first Jeep driven by a 32-year-old man with a boy passenger was reportedly driving on a dirt road before it fell down the ravine. The second Jeep driven by a 49-year-old man with two children passengers also crashed down the slope when it tried to help the first.

The driver and passenger of the first Jeep died in the crash. The driver of the second car sustained severe injuries, while the kids only had non-critical ones.

Firefighters had to utilize ATVs to reach the crash scene because it was difficult to access the location.

Due to the local fog, the helicopter that responded only had ten minutes to finish the rescue mission and touched down at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

One victim was transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Car Accident Statistics

In 2020, risky behaviors, including speeding, drinking and driving, and not wearing a seatbelt, accounted for as much as 80% of all highway fatalities, according to the National Safety Council. The death rate increased by 8.3 percent in 2017 after declining for three straight years.

The death toll per 100,000 vehicles on the road has dropped from 33 in 1913 to an expected 1.53 in 2020. In 1913, vehicle accidents were responsible for 4,200 deaths and 1,300,000 injuries. Despite this, there were a projected 42,338 fatalities and 276,000,000 cars on the roads in the year 2020.

Both annual car sales and total kilometers driven have decreased by 11% by 2020. The fatality rate increased by 21.7 percent for every car on the road, 8.53 percent for every person, and 7.91 percent for every mile driven.

In 2020, there will be 40,000 fatalities and 1.3 million injuries due to cars. The annual cost of treating those hurt in car crashes is estimated to top $473.2 billion.

Car Accident Lawyers in Sonoma County

Anyone injured in an automobile accident, fatal or not, in the Golden State is protected by the state’s insurance system and is entitled to compensation under state law. When someone is hurt, or a loved one is killed in an accident, they or their heirs have the legal right to make a claim for personal injury or wrongful death and seek monetary compensation.

In the event that you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash in California, you should speak with an attorney without delay. We will take care of any interaction with the insurance company.

Our trusted car accident attorneys in Sonoma County have the awards and extensive experience advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Contact (888) 488-1391 or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.