![[01-14-2025] One Killed, Child Critically Injured After Five-Vehicle DUI Crash on Highway 36](https://ak1.to//L2.webp)
A woman was killed, and a child was critically injured in a five-vehicle DUI crash on Highway 36 in Lassen County on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol Susanville Area office, the crash occurred around 7:47 a.m. on eastbound Highway 36, just west of US Highway 395.
William D., a 49-year-old Sacramento resident, was driving a 1998 Ford Club Wagon Van at high speed when he failed to slow for stopped traffic, causing a chain-reaction collision.
The van rear-ended a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, pushing it into a 2024 Freightliner truck. The van then veered into a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, which subsequently struck a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.
The 46-year-old female driver of the Equinox was pronounced dead at the scene. A 10-year-old girl in the Equinox sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
William D. and two other drivers sustained minor injuries. Following treatment, William D. was arrested and booked into the Lassen County Jail on charges including Watson DUI murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of drugs.
The CHP continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
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.
