Seven people were hospitalized following a two-vehicle DUI head-on crash in Monterey County on Saturday night, July 6, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Salinas Road near Elkhorn Road.
The collision involved an Infiniti FX35 with five occupants and a Chevrolet Silverado with the driver and a juvenile passenger. Initial reports suggest that the Infiniti was heading south when its driver, 34-year-old Tristan O. from Oakland, veered to the northbound lanes and into oncoming traffic. This caused a head-on collision with the Chevy, which then overturned.
The Chevy driver, 23-year-old Erik R. from Moss Landing, and his juvenile passenger both suffered injuries and were transported to Salinas Hospital for treatment. Their current statuses were not immediately available.
The driver of the Infiniti and his four passengers, ages 18, 19, 21, and 35, all suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital as well. Some of the passengers were said to have suffered major head, back, and neck injuries as a result of the crash.
Authorities are convinced that alcohol impairment is a factor in the incident. Tristan O. was later arrested under suspicion of DUI.
The collision is still under investigation.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
