Humboldt County, CA (November 9, 2023) Samantha Davis, 26, lost her life in Humboldt on Wednesday, November 8th, after the vehicle she was in crashed into the Trinity River. The accident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. not far from Highway 96.
The Trinity River is easily visible from State Route 96. The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Communication Center (HCC) first received the call about the accident around 5:30 p.m. Officials said that based on the initial investigation, it appears that Davis drove her car off an embankment that is considered to be very steep. The water in the river swept Davis’ car 125 feet down the river before it stopped, submerged in water.
Fire fighters from the Hoopa Fire Department arrived at the scene with an ambulance and discovered Davis’ vehicle about 50 feet from the shore. They found Samantha Davis dead inside the vehicle. Authorities pronounced her dead at the scene and called the coroner from the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office to the accident site.
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Davis’s car needed to be pulled from Trinity River and authorities are still trying to determine what happened to cause this tragic accident. They do not know if Davis was distracted, if she had a medical emergency or if something else happened that caused her to veer off the road and into the river.
The California Highway Patrol thanked all of the other agencies that helped with this fatal accident. These included the Hoopa Tribal Valley Police Department, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Hoopa Ambulance and the Hoopa Fire Department. These agencies all worked together and continue to do so as the investigation into this collision continues.
Liability In Humboldt 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 Humboldt County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samantha Davis. 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 Humboldt 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.