[08-25-2021] Santa Barbara County, CA – 3 People Killed After a Fatal Head-On Crash in Goleta

Three people were killed after a fiery wrong-way head-on collision in Goleta on Wednesday morning, August 25.

The accident took place on southbound Highway 101, just north of Dos Pueblos Canton Road, at approximately 2:25 a.m.

A Volkswagen was heading northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 101. It’s unclear why the Stallworth was driving in the wrong lanes. The Volkswagen then collided head-on with an oncoming Ford Expedition.

Three people were killed in the collision. The deceased parties were identified as 25-year-old Daniel G., 23-year-old Eryka L., and 28-year-old Natalia Stallworth.

Local authorities are currently investigating the case. They will attempt to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.

Fatal Head-On Collision Statistics

In 2017, approximately 485,866 car crashes occurred in California, which resulted in 276,823 injuries and 3,898 death. Accident deaths in California have increased by 23.5% since 2013. Head-on collisions are more deadly than other types of car accidents. There are approximately 123,000 head-on collisions per year in the United States, accounting for only 2.0 percent of all crashes but accounting for 10.1 percent of fatalities.

Wrong-way drivers, like in this case, typically cause head-on collisions. Every year in the United States, approximately 355 people are killed as a result of wrong-way drivers. With an average number of wrong-way collision deaths of 265, it is calculated that there are 1.34 fatalities per wrong-way collision death.

Every year, thousands of people in California are involved in car accidents that result in serious, life-altering personal injuries and the tragic loss of loved ones. Almost all of these car accidents are avoidable if drivers and other road users exercise caution and those in charge of road maintenance and safety.

Santa Barbara County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Head-On Collisions

In a wrongful death suit, the survivors can sue the person responsible for the untimely death and the financial losses they caused. Many car accidents in California give victims the right to file claims for monetary compensation. A successful auto accident claim could compensate the victim for losses such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.

While you await the official investigation results, it is best to have an attorney handle your personal injury claim for you. The liable party will be required by law to provide financial compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.

Our attorneys will never charge you anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our expenses are covered by the insurance company of the at-fault party. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for more information on the percentage you will be charged.