[03-23-2024] Sonoma County, CA – Three People Hospitalized After Reckless Driver Caused Fiery Head-On Crash in Santa Rosa

Three people were hospitalized after a reckless driver caused a fiery head-on crash in Santa Rosa on Saturday evening, March 23, 2024.

According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the incident occurred just after 6:00 p.m. on the Highway 12 overpass, south of the Occidental Road and Stony Point Road intersection.

SRPD said they received a call from a female driver inside a white Mercedes-Benz saying that she was being followed by a white Infiniti sedan that was aggressively trying to run her off the road. Both vehicles were reportedly going south on Stony Point Road.

At some point during the chase, the Infiniti driver, later identified as 18-year-old Carlos D. from Santa Rosa, lost control of his vehicle and swerved into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on crash with a Honda CR-V. The Infiniti burst into flames shortly after.

Police said that the Infiniti also had two 16-year-old female passengers inside when the accident happened, both of whom suffered injuries. One of them was knocked unconscious and sustained a moderate head injury, while the other reported minor injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Honda, identified as a 70-year-old Larkfield resident, suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital as well. He is said to be in stable condition on Monday.

The reckless driver was arrested and was booked into Sonoma County Jail on several felony charges, including reckless driving causing injury and child endangerment.

SRPD is figuring out if the Mercedes and Infiniti occupants knew each other. Investigations are underway.

Reputable Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys in Santa Rosa, CA

You are entitled to compensation if another driver’s recklessness caused you or a loved one to incur injuries or to pass away. Ask one of our personal injury attorneys, under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., for advice regarding your reckless accident case. Our injury law firm in Santa Rosa is here for you!

Get a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable injury attorneys, who will assess your case, go over the following stages, and look at every factor that might have an impact on the settlement amount.

Consult with our trustworthy Santa Rosa reckless driving accident lawyers at Arash Law; we have years of expertise representing accident victims in court. Being one of California’s largest injury law firms, we have helped clients get over $750 million in settlements.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or submit the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Steps to Take Immediately After A Car Accident in Santa Rosa, CA

It is tough to think clearly after being hit by a vehicle, let alone if you are injured. However, what you say and do at the scene of the crash can significantly affect the outcome of a subsequent claim you file against the at-fault party. These tips may help you avoid doing something that could reduce the value of your personal injury claim:

1. Call the police as soon as the accident occurs and ensure an officer creates an accident report.
2. Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the accident, property damage, the weather conditions, the road conditions, and the vehicle that hit you.
3. Remember also to take pictures of the at-fault driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
4. Get the names and contact information of all eyewitnesses or anyone who may have any knowledge about the incident.
5. See a doctor or other healthcare professional immediately, and tell them about any part of your body that was injured or might have been harmed in the accident.
6. Keep a journal about your injuries and the recovery process, detailing how you feel, the treatment you receive, and what costs you pay.
7. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement offer until you talk to an experienced lawyer.
8. Stay off social media and avoid posting about being in an accident or the circumstances of your accident.
9. If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California car accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

Automobile crashes cause the majority of unintended deaths and injuries in the US. Two million individuals lose their lives, and ten million more are injured in auto accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines reckless driving as “willful disregard” for other drivers’ safety on the road. In 2020, 11,258 fatalities due to speeding were reported by the NHTSA. According to AAA estimates, irresponsible driving was the cause of 56% of all traffic incidents that occurred between 2003 and 2007.