Santa Barbara County, CA (September 10, 2023) A vehicle drove off of Highway 166 on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, according to the California Highway Patrol. It happened a little after 5:00 p.m. and calls began coming in about a vehicle that veered off the highway and couldn’t be seen.
The vehicle ended up on its roof, off the roadway of Highway 166, about 20 miles from Highway 101. The vehicle wasn’t visible from the roadway and the crash started a lengthy search.
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Authorities searched for about an hour on the ground with the help of a CalStar helicopter flying above the area to help with the search. The helicopter was able to find the overturned vehicle.
Law enforcement was sent to Marian Regional Medical Center after receiving a report of a patient that arrived following a crash on Highway 166. They thought it could have been the victim involved in the crash that resulted in a search.
California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances of the crash to try and decipher what exactly happened.
Liability In Santa Barbara County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Santa Barbara County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the person involved in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Santa Barbara County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.