Suspected DUI Crash Closes Highway 20 Near Clearlake Oaks

Clearlake Oaks Suspected DUI Crash Causes One Vehicle to Exit Roadway

Two people suffered major injuries in a suspected DUI crash that shut down a stretch of Highway 20 near Clearlake Oaks on Sunday night, March 8 at around 10:00 p.m. The crash involved two vehicles and left one car approximately 50 feet over the side of the roadway, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), prompting a major emergency response and air ambulance transports.

Head-On Collision Reported East of Clearlake Oaks

The suspected DUI crash occurred at about 10:08 p.m. in the 16700–16900 block of Highway 20, in the area between New Long Valley Road and the Hidden Valley Sand & Gravel access east of Clearlake Oaks. Reports indicate that an oncoming vehicle entered the westbound lane and collided with another vehicle, causing major damage to both. A nearby semi-truck reportedly stopped to assist with traffic control while the first calls to 911 were made.

Two Drivers Extricated and Airlifted With Major Injuries

First responders arrived to find two heavily damaged vehicles, debris in the roadway, and one vehicle that had gone about 50 feet down an embankment. Fire personnel and rescue crews worked to extricate a male driver still trapped in a van and another party trapped in the second vehicle. Both injured individuals required extrication due to the extent of the damage and were then airlifted to a nearby hospital with major injuries.

Highway 20 Fully Shut Down for Emergency Response and Cleanup

Authorities initially closed both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 20 following the suspected DUI crash, describing the entire roadway as blocked due to disabled vehicles, fire equipment, and debris. The closure extended from New Long Valley Road to the Hidden Valley Sand & Gravel area while emergency crews worked at the scene. Caltrans responded to assist, and officials later allowed traffic through using one-way traffic control once the most critical rescue and cleanup operations were complete. There was also an unconfirmed report that an additional vehicle might have been involved and left the scene.

Possible DUI and Negligence Under Investigation

Early information from the scene indicated it was a suspected DUI crash. The incident was classified as a DUI traffic collision with major injuries. An official investigation will determine whether alcohol or drugs, excessive speed, or other forms of negligent driving contributed to the collision. When a driver crosses into oncoming traffic and causes a head-on crash, they can be held financially responsible for the injuries and losses they inflict.

Legal Rights of Those Injured in Serious Clearlake Crashes

Our law firm extends its deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in this devastating collision and to their families as they cope with the aftermath. We understand that serious crashes like this can leave the people who were injured facing medical bills, time away from work, and a long road to recovery. Injured parties may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Free, Friendly Advice for Your Lake County Accident 

I am Clearlake car accident lawyer Ed Smith. If you suffered injuries in a Clearlake or Lake County auto accident, our accident lawyers are here to help. We have many years of experience handling serious car crash cases, including DUI and head-on collision claims. To receive free, friendly advice about your legal options, call our office at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400, or visit AutoAccident.com to contact us online. Our thoughts are with those injured in this Highway 20 crash, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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