[09-24-2023] San Benito County, CA – 31-Year-Old Man Killed, Another Injured After Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 156

A 31-year-old male driver was killed and another was injured following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 156, San Benito County, on a Sunday night, September 24, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to reports of the collision around 10:15 p.m. along San Felipe Road, north of SR-156.

Initial investigation revealed that the 31-year-old, driving his 2016 Honda Civic, was going southbound on San Felipe Road, and approached a stoplight at an intersection. At the same time, a 2001 Kia Spectra driven by a 56-year-old man from Gonzales was heading westbound.

For reasons currently unknown, the Honda driver drove through a red light and collided with the Kia Spectra. The Honda was hit on its left side, and both cars went off the roadway.

The driver of the Honda was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was declared dead at the scene, while the Kia driver suffered a laceration to his left hand.

The 31-year-old driver was determined to be from Hollister, but authorities did not release his complete identity pending notification of relatives. It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved as further investigations into the crash continue.

Our Top Reckless-Driving Accident Attorneys in San Benito County

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

Our experienced reckless driving accident attorneys provide free initial consultations where we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our most trusted San Benito County reckless-driving accident attorneys at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

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Steps to Take Following A Reckless Car Accident

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Here’s what to do:

1. Stay Calm: Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
2. Get to a Safe Location: Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911: Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information: Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details if possible.
5. Do Not Admit Fault: Again, do not admit fault, even to the police. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company: Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters: As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster, but do not give away any more information than is necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
9. Create a File: Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391: Speak to our car crash attorneys so you can discuss your accident without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

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Fatal Reckless Accident Statistics

In the United States, reckless driving leads to numerous car crashes and hundreds of fatalities annually. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle without consideration for the safety of others.

Estimating the number of people hurt or killed annually due to irresponsible driving is probably tricky. However, according to AAA, between 2003 and 2007, 56% of all traffic incidents were the result of reckless driving.

Speeding is a significant factor in many fatal car accidents in the US. The problem of drunk driving is still quite prevalent across the nation.