EL DORADO COUNTY, CA — Jennie Gomez, 26, of Sacramento, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on the morning of January 4, 2024, after a series of accidents that left one victim hospitalized, according to CBS 13 Sacramento.
The dramatic sequence of events unfolded on Thursday morning in the Sierra, beginning with reports of a head-on collision around 10:30 AM, approximately 1.5 miles east of Kyburz. In response, Caltrans announced the closure of the highway, urging drivers to find alternate routes. Subsequent investigations by the CHP revealed not one but two crashes on westbound Highway 50.
The initial collision involved Gomez crashing her Toyota Corolla into a red Dodge Ram. However, instead of stopping, Gomez fled until colliding head-on with a Subaru Forester approximately three miles down the road. The impact prompted the life-flight transport of the Forester’s driver to a hospital, where they are anticipated to recover.
After her second crash, Gomez abandoned her vehicle and continued on foot, but CHP officers caught up to her quickly. She was arrested on charges of DUI and hit-and-run.
Victims of accidents such as this may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the insurance of an at-fault driver, even if criminal charges are not filed. The compensation from such a claim can help to address hospital bills, loss of wages, and emotional damages. However, insurance companies may offer resistance to making such a payout, and that is when it can be helpful to have the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
