Serious Mendocino Crash Discovered After Harrowing Survival Trek
On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, two women were found trekking through the Mendocino National Forest. California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Rick Fowler reports that the two women, aged 57 and 39, had been involved in a serious motor home crash days earlier and walked through the deep wilderness until they found a passerby who could help. According to reports, three people in total were involved in the accident, and all suffered injuries. All parties were expected to survive, and the accident is under investigation.
Accident Information
After conducting initial investigations, police say that they believe the accident took place in the very early morning of August 7, well before the sun had come up. The two women and a 51-year-old man were traveling in a motor home on rural roads within the Mendocino National Forest around forty miles to the east of Covelo.
For unknown reasons, the motor home drove off-road and traveled down a nearby embankment, striking numerous trees as it fell. Officers later located the crash around one mile away from Hammerhorn Lake.
Survival Trek and Rescue
According to reports, the accident left the 51-year-old man injured and unable to walk. In hopes of finding help, the two women started walking through the forest in hopes of finding help. After days of walking, the women were spotted at around 11:10 a.m. on August 10 while walking on Forest Route 1N02. The exact location at which the women were located has not been reported. Both women were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.
After the women told officers approximately where the accident happened, police dispatched helicopter search teams, and the collision site was located from above. Upon reaching the wrecked motor home, officials discovered the 51-year-old man as well as a dog. The man was found with serious injuries and flown to the Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits to receive treatment. The dog was reportedly uninjured.
Investigation
At this time, police have not stated any suspected causes of this crash. In many cases, collisions similar to this occur because of something that the involved driver cannot control. For instance, a worn-out road can give away, causing a vehicle to be thrown off-course. In other cases, a malfunctioning vehicle part such as faulty tires or brakes can make it impossible for drivers to maintain control.
In cases that involve non-motorist causes, third parties such as vehicle part manufacturers and government agencies responsible for roadway maintenance can be held financially responsible for damages suffered during the accident. This is possible through filing a personal injury claim with the help of a trusted personal injury lawyer.
Additional Articles from Ukiah Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith
Ukiah Personal Injury Lawyers
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