Orinda, CA (November 21, 2023) A police pursuit through Orinda ended in a wrong-way crash on Highway 24, according to the California Highway Patrol. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department spokesman, Jimmy Lee, said the driver of the vehicle was a 35-year-old man who had a warrant out for his arrest.
It all started when the sheriff’s office deputies found a stolen car on westbound Highway 4, near Bailey Road in Bay Point, just after 6:30 p.m. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near the Solano Way exit, but instead of slowing down, the vehicle sped up and continued on southbound I-680. The vehicle then merged onto Highway 24, according to Jimmy Lee.
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The suspect got out of the vehicle for a minute, attempting to run on foot, but then changed their mind and returned to the vehicle. They then drove the vehicle onto the eastbound lanes of Highway 24, driving west, heading the wrong-way down the highway. Not long after this, the suspect’s car collided, head-on, with another vehicle driving on the highway.
The suspect as well as the driver of the other vehicle involved were both injured and transported to a local hospital. The 35-year-old suspect was later arrested for felony reckless evading, evading police causing injury, evading police by driving in the opposite direction , possessing a stolen vehicle and having an out-of-county arrest warrant for drug trafficking.
Liability In Orinda 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 An Orinda Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the driver injured in this wrong-way collision on Highway 24. 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 Orinda 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.
