Salinas, CA – Two car crashes on Halloween night led to a head-on collision on Natividad Road, injuring a mother and her two young children, according to KSBW.
The Salinas Police Department reported that the accident began around 8:30 PM on the 300 block of Main Street when a suspected drunk driver struck another car and fled.
The victim of the initial crash pursued the fleeing vehicle. During this pursuit, the suspected driver reportedly switched seats with a female passenger, who then took control of the vehicle and continued driving recklessly.
While heading northbound on Natividad Road near Bernal Drive, the woman lost control and veered into the southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a vehicle carrying a mother and her children, ages 6 and 12.
The crash resulted in significant injuries. The mother suffered broken bones in both legs, and both children were flown to a hospital in the Bay Area for further treatment. Their specific injuries have not been disclosed.
The male driver involved in the initial hit-and-run was arrested and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
The female passenger, who later took over driving, was charged with felony DUI and was also transported to a hospital with injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
Personal Injury Claims
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and in California, several parties can share partial liability. A personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in helping victims establish legal responsibility after a traffic accident.
If it is found that another party contributed to the injuries, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover damages such as hospital bills and lost income during recovery.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
