A mother and her two children were injured in a DUI-related head-on collision on Natividad Road in Salinas on Halloween night, October 31, 2024.
The incident began on the 300 block of Main Street and ended on Natividad Road near Bernal Drive. According to the Salinas Police Department, the initial crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. when one driver struck another car on Main Street and fled the scene. The victim of that crash followed the fleeing vehicle.
During the pursuit, the driver involved in the first crash switched seats with a passenger, a woman who then drove recklessly. The woman lost control while heading northbound on Natividad Road and veered into the southbound lanes, causing a head-on collision with a vehicle carrying a mother and her two children, aged 6 and 12.
All three were transported to the hospital, with the mother sustaining broken legs. Both children were airlifted to a Bay Area hospital, and their conditions are currently unknown.
The Salinas Police Department confirmed that the male driver was charged with hit-and-run and DUI. The woman was charged with felony DUI and taken to Natividad Medical Center with injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.
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.