Major Injury Reported in Del Norte Accident

Del Norte Accident Occurs on U.S. 199

Emergency responders were called on November 25 to a Del Norte accident after a vehicle went off the road along southbound U.S. 199 just north of Kings Valley Road in the Bertsch-Oceanview area, northeast of Crescent City. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred at approximately 2:23 p.m. when a vehicle went about 100 feet down an embankment. The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office requested fire and medical personnel to assist at the scene.

Trapped Occupant Extracted in Del Norte Accident

First responders worked to extricate the occupant trapped inside the vehicle. CHP reported that the crash resulted in major injuries. A tow truck was called to recover the vehicle, which had sustained extensive damage, including four broken tires. Traffic on the southbound lanes of U.S. 199 was temporarily stopped while crews assisted the injured individual and recovered the vehicle from the steep embankment. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the CHP traffic accident unit.

Vehicle Defects and Manufacturer Liability

In some off-road collisions, the root cause can be a defective vehicle component rather than anything the driver did wrong. Design or manufacturing defects in tires, brakes, steering systems, suspension components, and electronic stability control can lead to sudden failures, loss of traction, or rollover when a vehicle encounters routine road conditions. In these cases, an injured person may have an auto product liability claim against the vehicle or parts manufacturer, distributors, or others in the chain of commerce, seeking compensation for injuries caused by unsafe products placed into the marketplace.​

Hazardous Road Conditions and Third-Party Fault

When a vehicle leaves the road in a Del Norte accident because of a hazardous condition, fault may lie with the government entity or contractor responsible for designing, building, or maintaining the roadway. Cities, counties, and state agencies have a legal duty to keep public roads reasonably safe, and they can be held liable when they fail to repair known defects or create dangerous conditions through negligent design or construction. Private contractors, design consultants, and material suppliers may also share responsibility if their work on signs, guardrails, pavement, or traffic control devices contributed to the off-road crash.​

Recoverable Compensation After an Off-Road Crash

Those injured in a Del Norte accident caused by road hazards, defective vehicles, or other non-driver-error factors may be entitled to substantial compensation. An injury claim can seek recovery for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the costs of rehabilitation or long-term care. 

How an Accident Lawyer Helps Protect Your Rights

Because non-driver-error off-road crashes often involve complex questions of liability, an experienced auto accident lawyer can be critical to a successful claim. An attorney can investigate the crash scene, work with experts to analyze vehicle damage and road design, identify all responsible parties, and comply with strict deadlines that apply to claims against public entities. A lawyer also negotiates with insurance companies and defense attorneys, helping injured people document their losses, build a strong evidentiary record, and, when necessary, present the case in court so they are not pressured into an unfair settlement.​

Call Crescent City Auto Accident Lawyer Ed Smith

I’m Ed Smith, a Crescent City auto accident lawyer. When you’ve suffered injuries from an accident caused by another driver or outside influence, you may be able to recover compensation. Our injury attorneys offer free, friendly advice. Call us for a no-obligation consultation at (800) 404-5400 or (707) 564-1900, or connect with us online to arrange a consultation to have your Del Norte County collision case reviewed and find out what your options are.​

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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