Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County can feature long straightaways along with some steep grades and major curves. Drivers not paying attention can cause accidents that lead to multiple crashes and collisions.
This includes the dangers to drivers and passengers and emergency responders at the scene as other motorists pass by. Other pedestrian collisions can occur at the scene and put the lives of victims at risk.
Major Accident Hospitalizes Eight Victims in Santa Barbara County
A vehicle collision closed down Highway 101 north of Gaviota and left eight people with injuries Tuesday morning. ABC3-TV reported the accident occurred around 5:15 a.m. along the highway near Avenue of the Flags, between Gaviota and Buellton, on March 29, 2023.
The accident occurred while Santa Barbara County Firefighters were responding to an initial accident in the southbound lanes that involved a minivan rollover. While at the scene, a Fire Captain and an Engineer from Buellton were struck by a passing car.
Noozehawk said that one of the firefighters was taken by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage hospital. The other victim was flown to the hospital. Both suffered major injuries, but a fire department official revealed that they were awake and talking. A third patient was taken to Cottage Hospital with potentially moderate injuries.
Five other patients were rushed to Marian Medical with injuries. One of the victims was a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.
CHP investigators continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the multiple collisions and have not released their findings.
Support for Injured Victims After a Santa Barbara County Accident
The victims of major car accidents should always get checked out by paramedics, no matter how minor they feel their injuries are. The moments after an accident will be the worst time for victims to try to assess how badly they are hurt on their own.
The shock of a collision and the adrenaline released can mask the pain of a serious injury. What may seem a minor inconvenience at the time can transform into a painful and severe injury in the days that follow. When additional pain arises the morning after an accident, victims should see their own physicians to get all injuries documented.
When an injury intensifies and ends up racking up large medical bills, the insurance companies for at-fault drivers need to be held accountable. Victims should receive full compensation for expensive hospital care and physical therapy. They should also be supported while they miss valuable time at work over an injury.
Contact a Santa Barbara County Car Accident Lawyer
Injured victims often don’t know how much their injury is worth and insurance companies can take advantage of this fact. They can work to talk a victim out of filing a claim or move to provide far less in compensation than a victim will need to fully recover.
After you or a loved one has become the victim of a careless driver, reach out to a Santa Barbara Car Accident Lawyer for a free consultation on your best options and to learn about your rights.
