A man is dead and another is injured after a two-vehicle head-on crash in Humboldt County on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024.
California Highway Patrol Humboldt received reports of the collision around 7:30 a.m. on State Route 299, east of Essex Lane, just east of Arcata.
An initial investigation determined that the driver of a 1994 Jeep was traveling eastbound on SR-299 when he was unable to navigate a curve in the roadway. The Jeep left the eastbound lanes, entered the westbound lanes, and collided head-on with a 2020 Ram truck.
Both drivers were transported to Saint Joseph Hospital in Eureka, where the driver of the Jeep, a man from Fortuna, was declared dead by medical personnel. The other driver, Fredrick S. Sr., 75, of Willow Creek, sustained major injuries.
While CHP investigated the crash at the scene, the westbound lanes of SR-299 were closed for approximately three and a half hours.
The use of alcohol and drugs is unknown at this time, and the investigation into the incident 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.