Santa Rosa, CA (October 23, 2023) 18-year-old Marcus Burton from Healdsburg was arrested on Saturday, October 21st, after he caused a collision while speeding on Highway 101. The California Highway Patrol said the accident happened around 1:30 p.m. in Santa Rosa.
Burton was driving a Ford Mustang on Highway 101 and exceeding 100 mph on the northbound lanes. The California Highway Patrol sent officers to pull over Burton in Rohnert Park, but he refused to stop. A short time later, he crashed his Mustang into the back of a Land Rover SUV in the area of Mendocino Avenue and Highway 101.
Have you or someone you know been injured in an accident? Reach out to us at any time at 844-966-0965
Burton was booked into the Sonoma County Jail, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was also treated for minor injuries. He had a 17-year-old passenger in his vehicle, as well. The passenger was treated for minor injuries and then released to his parents.
A family of 3 occupied the Land Rover. They were all taken to a local hospital but are expected to make full recoveries.
Authorities said the Mustang had been involved in multiple chases over the past month and had always managed to escape until it crashed on Saturday.
Liability In Santa Rosa 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 Rosa Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the people injured 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 Rosa 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.