Wrong-Way Highway 4 Accident
I’m Ed Smith, I am an Oakley Personal Injury Lawyer. On Saturday, October 21, 2017, a pick-up truck that was reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as stolen was seen driving the wrong-way on Highway 4, causing a three-car collision. More details are below.
How it Happened
After the wrong-way auto accident on Highway 4 that injured four separate people, the CHP is continuing their search for the stolen vehicle and driver that caused the wreck. One person was determined to be in critical condition, leaving three other persons with moderate-to-minor injuries.
According to the CHP, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st, a grey Ford F-250 truck that was reportedly stolen was traveling west near the right shoulder of eastbound State Route 4. The pick-up truck allegedly collided into a red Ford SUV, westbound of the exit for Willow Pass Road.
Charges against the Hit-and-Run Driver
Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office deputies acted fast and attempted to pursue the Ford truck after the stolen vehicle was seen driving the wrong-way on Highway 4. Witness testimonies claim that the car was driving at a rate of 60 mph as it struck the red SUV.
As of Sunday, October 22nd, the hit-and-run suspect remains at large after leaving the scene after the pick-up truck caught fire. CHP officers said that the suspect will be dealing with felony charges for a hit-and-run that caused multiple injuries.
Unintentional Injuries
The red Ford SUV driver was identitifed as a 43-year old Richmond citizen, who reportedly sustained minor injuries. Among the 2 other passengers in his car, one 43-year old female also received minor injuries resulting from the accident, while a 69-year old woman from Richmond also suffered major injuries as a result of this crash. Gratefully, officials do not believe her injuries to be life-threatening.
In addition, a Pittsburg woman had minor injuries from the wreck and moderate damaged to her Nissan Versa.
We wish all the injured parties a full and quick recovery, and that the reckless driver is brought to justice.
The Dangers of Wrong-way Driving
According to statistics released by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), car wrecks resulting from wrong way driving take an average of 300-400 lives each year, constituting a full one percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. Although this makes up a relatively small portion of the percentage of car wrecks, wrong way collisions tend to be more severe than most other common types of crashes. The severity of wrong way driving crashes is most likely due to the fact that wrong-way collisions commonly involve drivers who are under the influence and/or driving at high-speed rates.
Related Articles from Oakley Personal Injury Attorney, Ed Smith:
- Highway 4 Through Pittsburg: A Risk Assessment
- Chain-Reaction Accident on Highway 4 in Antioch Injures 14
- Highway 4 Crash Injures Tracy Couple
Oakley Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, and I am an Oakley Personal Injury Lawyer. Have you or a loved one been injured by the negligence of another person? Please reach out to me at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, friendly advice that is completely free of charge. I am also available online via website, AutoAccident.com.
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