A head-on collision sent several victims to the hospital and tragically claimed one life in northern Monterey County. The accident took place early Monday morning along Crazy Horse Canyon Road in the Prunedale area on September 13, 2021.
KION-TV reported the details of the devastating crash in their news coverage. The California Highway Patrol believes the driver of a Nissan was attempting to pass a Peterbilt truck when it struck an oncoming Toyota Minivan. The impact sent the Nissan into a trailer pulled by the Peterbilt truck.
The driver of the Toyota minivan and four injured people in the Nissan were rushed to the hospital with major injuries. The Toyota’s driver, a 43-year-old Salinas resident, later passed away from his injuries.
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
Dangerous Backroad Accidents in Monterey County
Monterey County is home to seaside hills and tight mountainous curves. The roads that take us across those sometimes rugged landscapes can be narrow and carry potential hazards for drivers and passengers.
A windy road can carry heavy traffic at times and leave oncoming cars just inches away from one another. A driver’s mistake while navigating a curve or in a passing maneuver can put motorists in the path of other vehicles with little room to steer clear of a collision.
Monterey County accidents are tracked each year by the California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS). In 2020, the system recorded 1,385 total traffic accidents. Those incidents claimed 51 lives and left almost 2000 people injured.
What’s more, head-on accidents reportedly led to four roadway deaths and left almost 200 victims suffering from injuries across Monterey County.
The yearly accident totals compiled each year across Monterey County show the dangers that local drivers face. They also demonstrate the value of showing as much care and caution on area roads as possible. Especially on those smaller routes that leave much less room to correct mistakes.
Securing Support for Accident Victims and Their Families in Monterey County
When a collision causes a serious injury or claims a precious life, accident victims and their families should receive full support from an at-fault driver’s car insurance company. Sadly, victims and their families may be left to deal with unsympathetic and unhelpful insurance representatives.
In fact, insurance companies aren’t required to tell you about the rights you have and the benefits available to you or your family. Be sure to speak to an attorney in your area about your options. You can visit our page on car accident lawsuits for more information.
