[04-03-2023] Santa Barbara County, CA – Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash in Orcutt Killed One, Critically Injured Another

One person was killed and another was critically injured following a two-vehicle head-on collision in Santa Barbara County on Monday evening, April 03, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at around 6:45 p.m. on Highway 135’s southbound lanes, half a mile south of Clark Avenue in Orcutt.

The crash involved a Honda Civic and a Toyota RAV4. The Honda’s 22-year-old male driver from Santa Maria was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reportedly heading the wrong way prior to the crash.

The Toyota’s 27-year-old female driver from Lompoc was extricated after being trapped and airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with major injuries.

CHP reported that the wreckage blocked both southbound lanes, and the highway was closed at Clark Avenue.

No further information was immediately available as the investigation continued.

Fatal Reckless Accident Statistics

Every year in the United States, reckless drivers cause thousands of accidents and hundreds of deaths. Reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with “willful disregard” for the safety of those on the road.

It’s probably quite hard to estimate how many people die every year due to reckless driving. Nonetheless, the AAA reports that from 2003 to 2007, reckless driving contributed to 56% of all traffic accidents.

Annual statistics show that in the United States, speeding is the leading cause of car accidents that lead to unexpected deaths and injuries. The turmoil on American highways is also exacerbated by drunk drivers and wrong-way drivers.

What to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident requires rapid notification of the appropriate authorities. When speaking with law enforcement or insurance companies, it is crucial to be honest and avoid making assumptions. If the victim apologizes despite being innocent, the insurance company may refuse to pay.

The full report can be obtained by contacting the appropriate authorities. Here, please find an online form for your convenience. We are unable to investigate your claim without this information. One of our top attorneys will give you their undivided attention throughout your free consultation.

Reckless Accident Victim Lawyers in Santa Barbara County

If the victim is killed or severely injured as a result of the driver’s negligence, the victim’s family may file a lawsuit against the driver. Contact a personal injury attorney in California without delay if you or a loved one has been wounded in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.

Our legal experts will review your case, lay out the next steps, and talk to you about what factors might impact the final settlement offer.

Our award-winning Santa Barbara County reckless accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have years of experience in advocating for accident victims, with granted compensation totaling $750 million so far.

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.