A driver was killed, while a juvenile passenger was hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash near Miranda, Humboldt County, on Friday afternoon, July 12, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly incident happened around 12:42 p.m. along the Avenue of the Giants (SR-254), south of Madrona Road.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the driver and the juvenile passenger were traveling southbound on SR-254 inside a 2004 Infinity G35. For some reason, the driver allowed the vehicle to veer off to the west edge of the roadway and then overcorrected, causing it to go across both lanes of SR-254.
The Infinity then continued through the east edge of the roadway and crashed into a ditch. This caused the vehicle to jump into the air before overturning across a dirt driveway nearby. The Infinity reportedly landed on its tires in a ditch along the east shoulder of SR-254 facing north.
It is said that the driver was ejected from the vehicle as it was overturning. He was found a little south of where the Infinity came to rest. The juvenile passenger, meanwhile, was able to self-extricate from the vehicle.
The Infinity driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the responding medical crew. Further information about the driver’s identity is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin. At the same time, the passenger was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka for treatment.
It is not immediately known if alcohol, drugs, or speeding played a role in the fatal collision.
The accident is still under investigation by the CHP.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.