A 25-year-old Mendocino man, Joseph G., was killed in a head-on collision on Caspar Bridge between Fort Bragg and Mendocino on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly before 10:00 p.m. when a 44-year-old Mendocino woman driving a 2007 Infiniti sedan northbound lost control, veering into the southbound lane and colliding head-on with a 2023 GMC van driven by a 76-year-old Alameda woman. Joseph, who was a passenger in the Infiniti and not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.
The driver of the Infiniti, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
The driver of the GMC van, who was also wearing a seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the CHP suspects that impairment may have been a factor.
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.