Arroyo Grande, CA – Two men, David Berdahl, 54, and Anthony Padron, 31, suffered major injuries in a head-on collision on Highway 101 early Thursday morning, January 9, 2025, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the crash happened around 12:43 AM near Grand Avenue.
Berdahl, driving a 2008 Ford Ranger, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 101, the CHP said. Padron, operating a 2009 Jeep Liberty, was heading southbound in the correct lane when he noticed headlights coming directly toward him.
Padron swerved to the right to avoid a collision but was unable to evade the oncoming Ford. The vehicles collided head-on, coming to rest in the southbound lanes.
Berdahl was trapped inside his vehicle after the crash. First responders extricated him and transported him to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital with major injuries. Padron managed to escape his Jeep before it caught fire and was taken to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
The CHP indicated that alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the collision, and the incident remains under investigation.
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.”
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a Personal Injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
However, insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims. That’s why having a knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to securing proper compensation for your injuries.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
