Ukiah Man Dies in Highway 20 Crash
On Wednesday, January 28, 2020, a Ukiah man tragically passed away during a crash on Highway 20. California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened in the morning and involved two cars. The decedent was identified later in the day as Joseph Denson, a 32-year-old resident of Ukiah. In addition to Denson, a 48-year-old Lakeport resident also suffered injuries and was hospitalized as a result of the accident.
Crash Details
The collision occurred at around 7:45 a.m. on Highway 20 just a couple miles to the east of the Highway 101 junction near the northern side of Lake Mendocino. According to police, Denson had been driving a 2014 Mercedes C250 eastbound on 20 at a speed of around 55 miles per hour when his vehicle’s wheels lost traction with the road. At the same time, the Lakeport man was entering the westbound side of the highway from Road A in a Jeep.
After its wheels lost traction, the Mercedes began to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction and eventually drifted into the westbound lane. The Jeep reportedly braked and veered right in an attempt to avoid the Mercedes, but was ultimately not able to steer away in time. The front end of the Jeep struck the driver’s side of the Mercedes.
Response
CHP reported that multiple agencies assisted with accident response, including the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Department, Caltrans, and Med-Stare ambulance. When responders reached the crash scene, they found that Denson had been critically injured. Officials called for a helicopter ambulance to take him to an emergency center. However, Denson tragically passed away on-scene. The driver of the Jeep was driven to a nearby hospital with moderate trauma. Updates on his condition remain unavailable.
Investigation
CHP has stated that their officers are still looking into what may have caused this accident and say that they do not know why the Mercedes lost traction. Police have indicated that they do not believe drugs or alcohol were a part of the accident. The roadway was reportedly closed for around two hours while response and initial investigations of the area took place.
When drivers pass away, police lose their testimony about what happened. Because these drivers can’t tell their story, it’s possible that investigators will overlook important evidence such as malfunctioning auto parts that could help families recover wrongful death damages. The best way to make sure that the crash is investigated thoroughly is to work with an experienced Ukiah wrongful death lawyer.
Finding an Attorney
People who’ve recently suffered a tragic loss usually feel overwhelmed and are doing everything they can to cope with their grief. In order to process your emotions and heal emotionally, it’s very important to take care of yourself and spend time with your loved ones. However, liable parties typically don’t need to deal with these feelings and start defending themselves from liability right away. For this reason, it’s critical to have an attorney as soon as you can. To learn how you can find a lawyer that you know you can trust, watch this video:
Other Blogs from Ukiah Wrongful Death Lawyer, Ed Smith
- Pedestrian Dead in Ukiah Auto Accident
- Defining a Ukiah Personal Injury Lawyer
- Head-On Truck Accident Near Ukiah Causes Fatal Trauma
Ukiah Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Ukiah wrongful death lawyer. If your family lost someone in a crash, please take a moment to call me and receive free, friendly legal advice. To reach me, dial (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
I’ve practiced in Ukiah and nearby cities for 38 years. To learn about my history as a wrongful death lawyer, view my settlements and verdicts and visit the below profiles to find my client reviews:
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