![[09-23-2024] Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured After Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision on Highway 135 in Orcutt](https://ak1.to//yxXD.webp)
A woman was killed and a man was critically injured after a two-vehicle head-on collision on Highway 135 in Orcutt, Santa Barbara County, on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred shortly before noon at the intersection of Highway 135 and East Foster Road.
CHP officers identified the drivers involved in the crash. Jordan G., 26, of Santa Maria, was driving a 2020 Nissan Altima northbound on Highway 135 near the Foster Road intersection. Meanwhile, a 2015 Honda Civic, driven by a 79-year-old Santa Maria woman, was traveling south on Highway 135 in the right turn lane.
For reasons yet to be determined, the Nissan drifted to the left, crossing into the southbound lanes, then struck the Honda head-on.
Responding crews from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department extricated one of the drivers from their heavily damaged vehicle.
Both individuals sustained major injuries and were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center by American Medical Response ambulance, according to County Fire spokesperson Karen Cruz-Orduña.
Tragically, the driver of the Honda sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
CHP investigators are currently looking into the cause of the collision.
No further details were immediately available.
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.
