[12-30-2023] Santa Barbara County, CA – Two People Killed Following Vehicle Crash on Highway 101 in Santa Maria

Two people were killed after a reckless vehicle crash in Santa Maria late Saturday night, December 30, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at 11:30 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 near the North Broadway interchange.

A wrong-way vehicle is reported to have been involved in the crash, leaving two people dead. The vehicles were smoking after the accident, and some of the victims had to be extricated with heavy equipment.

A number of lanes are blocked beneath the North Broadway overpass due to wreckage. All three northbound lanes were blocked due to debris and an investigation into the collision.

Authorities are gathering all the necessary information, and no further details have been released as investigations are ongoing.

Leading Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County

It is possible for a person to obtain compensation if he or she has suffered damage because of another driver’s negligence. When you are injured in a car accident, it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Contact one of our reckless driving accident attorneys for an initial consultation. To prepare for the legal process, you will receive a free case evaluation that will provide an overview of the case, a discussion about the settlement, and a guide on how to file an insurance claim.

Get legal advice from our top Santa Maria reckless-driving accident attorneys at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will assist you with your insurance claim and effectively represent you in court, if necessary. We have recovered more than $750 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Seek medical attention – Visit the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can decrease the damage you suffer from injuries.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10.  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.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

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 recorded in 2022.

As reported by the California Highway Patrol, there were expected to be 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.

It was found that 18.5% of fatal crashes were caused by speeding in the form of one or more of the following behaviors: speeding too fast for the conditions, exceeding the posted speed limit, or racing. There were also 12,330 traffic deaths in 2021 that were caused by speeding, an average of more than 33 people per day in the United States.