Steep grades and tight curves can make for hazardous morning travel through the mountains of Santa Barbara County. Drivers must deal with motorists who aren’t paying attention to the lanes, could be traveling too fast, and could be ignoring changing weather conditions.
Drivers should always slow down when visibility becomes an issue, but some continue to drive as if it’s a normal day and can immediately put other drivers and passengers in danger.
County officials report fog is a particular problem along mountain routes. In 2020, California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) recorded 17 accidents involving foggy conditions across Santa Barbara County. Those collisions left a total of 19 people injured and tragically claimed one life over the year.
Head-On Collision on Hwy 101 in Santa Barbara County
A driver was killed in a head-on collision north of Gaviota Monday morning. NoozHawk reported the crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. along Highway 101 just south of the Nojoqui Summit on May 3, 2021.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash involved two trucks that struck head-on in the northbound lanes. A minor extrication was needed to cut one victim out of a truck. One driver was pronounced dead on the scene.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. KEYT-TV reported that thick fog and heavy traffic were noted along the stretch of Highway 101 at the time of the collision.
Finding Help for Collision Victims in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County emergency crews must respond to frightening accidents every day. These collisions can leave victims badly hurt and in severe cases claim lives. Families who have lost a loved one in a crash may feel they have little hope to find closure after such a tragedy.
Families left without the guidance and financial support of the deceased can suddenly face enormous financial strains resulting from an accident. Hospital bills, ambulance fees, and funeral and burial expenses can add up and come due in a matter of days. No family should face these costs or any future costs alone.
An at-fault driver’s insurance provider should be called upon to provide for the family and make sure they don’t meet with continued financial hardships. A wrongful death claim can help cover immediate costs. This lawsuit can also demand the support close family members will require in the future as they must continue on with life without the support the victim would have continued providing.
In accidents involving extreme weather conditions, like fog, other drivers are still required to proceed cautiously and travel at a safe speed for conditions. When drivers ignore conditions and decide to put others in danger their insurance companies can be held liable no matter the weather.
Contact a Santa Barbara County Car Accident Lawyer
Nothing can bring back the life of a loved one, but a family should be allowed to seek support during such a vulnerable time emotionally and financially.
After your loved one has been the victim of a driver’s mistake contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation for your family. Mr. Gasparian works to protect every member of the family from the bad faith practices that insurance companies can use. Don’t trust your family’s wellbeing to an insurance agent. Talk to Maison Law today.
