[04-16-2021] Sonoma County, CA – Teenage Boy Killed in a Fatal Head-on Collision in Santa Rosa

An unidentified 17-year-old boy was killed after a deadly head-on collision in western Santa Rosa on Friday morning, April 16.

The deadly collision transpired at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Fulton Road, just south of Guerneville Road in Santa Rosa.

A northbound Toyota 4Runner driven by the 17-year-old was driving on Fulton Road at approximately 50 mph in a 45-mph zone. The Toyota 4Runner driver then veered into the southbound lanes for unclear reasons why he later collided head-on with a large flatbed truck.

Firefighters extricated the 17-year-old teen from the wreckage. Unfortunately, despite the life-saving measures of the emergency personnel, the boy later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Drugs and alcohol did not play a role in the accident. Local authorities are further investigating the case. They are trying to determine whether the mechanical failure was a factor or if the teen had a medical emergency that led to the fatal collision.

Witnesses that can give more information about the accident are urged to contact the Santa Rosa police at 707-543-3636.

Fatal Head-On Collision Statistics

Head-on collisions are probably one of the most fatal types of car accidents. During a head-on collision, the force of the collision is much stronger than other types of car accidents. Although head-on collisions only represent 2 percent of accidents, they account for 10 percent of fatalities on U.S. roadways. Head-on collisions mainly occur when drivers are distracted or are experiencing over-fatigue.

In this case, wrong-way driving was a factor in the collision. Every year, approximately 355 people are killed in the U.S. due to wrong-way drivers. With the average number of wrong-way collision deaths at 265, 1.34 fatalities per wrong-way death are calculated. Younger teen drivers and other new drivers can cause accidents due to their lack of experience. It is essential to know what hazards to watch for on the road and how to respond when they come up.

If you have a teen driver, take time to practice driving with them. Start in wide-open spaces (such as a large, empty parking lot). Slowly introduce your young driver into traffic in areas that are not busy. Get them used to watch for hazards, anticipating other drivers’ movements, and other critical driving skills.

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

Liability can involve complex legal issues and defenses. It might be split between multiple drivers or companies. The difficulty in navigating this process is why it is essential to work with an experienced California accident lawyer who knows how to prove liability.

There are many potential causes of head-on collisions. Your attorney needs to determine what, exactly, caused the accident because this will determine who was at fault (“liable”) for the accident. The person who is liable for the accident also has a legal obligation to compensate you for your injuries and losses.

A wrongful death car accident lawsuit can also help pay for the high medical expenses and other costs incurred due to the crash. It can also help provide financial support for those who have lost income because of an injury or an unforeseen death. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free no-obligation fatal car accident case review.