Mendocino, CA (November 17, 2023) A man lost his life on Thursday, November 16th, in a head-on collision on Highway 253 in Mendocino, according to the California Highway Patrol. The accident occurred east of Stipp Lane, near Ukiah.
It happened on the morning of Thursday, November 16th, when a 2020 Honda Civic sedan, driven by a 47-year-old man from Santa Rosa, was driving west on Highway 253. For reasons unknown, the Honda veered into opposing traffic where it hit a 2020 Ford Ranger, driven by a 79-year-old man from Ukiah. The two vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lanes of Highway 253.
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Reports from the California Highway Patrol indicate that the driver of the Honda wasn’t wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Officers and paramedics arrived at the scene to find him already deceased. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a coroner was called. The victim’s identity has not been released and is pending notification of the deceased’s next of kin.
The driver of the Ford, who was wearing his seat belt, according to reports, sustained moderate injuries in the collision. Paramedics loaded him into an ambulance and transported him to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley for treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Crews had to clean up the scene, which was littered with glass and debris. Officers are investigating the accident to try and determine what happened on Highway 253 in Mendocino.
Liability In Mendocino 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 Mendocino Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this accident. 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 Mendocino 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.