OAKDALE, CA (SEPTEMBER 9, 2022) – Sebastian Ruiz, 20, was critically injured in a head-on collision with Catherine Mae King Velvetrose, 17, in Oakdale on Wednesday night.
The accident occurred around 9:20 p.m. when Velvetrose drifted her 2004 Chevrolet SUV into the eastbound lane of Highway 108/120 between Oakdale and Knights Ferry.
Sebastian Ruiz, of Sonora, was driving his 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when Velvetrose collided into him. Ruiz was carrying four other passengers during the crash that caused him to be pinned inside the truck.
After he was extricated from the vehicle by firefighters, he was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
Information on the conditions of the other passengers is still unavailable, but were said to be all males ranging in age from 18 to 20 according to California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Tom Olsen.
Olsen said that four involved in the crash sustained major injuries and were transferred to either Oak Valley Hospital or to trauma centers in Modesto due to the varying degrees of injury.
Liability In Oakdale 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 Sebastian Ruiz and Catherine Velvetrose’s Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to Sebastian Ruiz and his passengers, along with Catherine Velvetrose and hope for a speedy recovery for all. 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 an Oakdale car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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.