Two people were killed following a single-vehicle crash near Whiskeytown Lake in Shasta County late Wednesday evening, February 14, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at about 11:00 p.m. along Highway 299, west of Grizzly Gulch Road.

Reports indicate that a 39-year-old Vancouver resident named Shane G. was traveling with two other passengers in a 2002 Ford Ranger. He stated that he fell asleep, causing the truck to swerve into an embankment before overturning on its roof.

The 39-year-old driver extricated himself from the vehicle and contacted 911. He suffered abrasions to the hand and neck pain, while his two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The authorities stated that all occupants of the pickup truck were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the fatal collision. The identities of the deceased have yet to be released pending notification of the family.

Dedicated Car Accident Lawyers in Whiskeytown, Shasta County

If another driver’s negligence injured you or killed a loved one, you may be able to sue for damages. Obtain advice on your car accident case from one of our personal injury lawyers, supervised by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

Avail a free consultation with our dedicated Shasta County car accident lawyers, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.

Our legal team has well-established careers and accolades in advocating for accident victims. The clients we have worked with have been awarded compensation totaling more than $500 Million.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Whiskeytown

No one can predict a car crash or collision, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:

1. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check with others. Remain calm, and do not admit fault.
2. Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. The police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak with an attorney.
9. Create a File – Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Lawyers – When in doubt, give us a call at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

In the US, car crashes cause the most accidental deaths and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.

The state of California saw 3,847 fatal vehicle collisions in 2020. About 59% or 2,260 fatalities resulted from accidents involving only one vehicle. A total of 1,587 deaths, or 41% of all fatalities, resulted from collisions involving two or more vehicles.

Two vehicles were involved in most collisions (72% of all collisions, 71% of collisions that caused injuries, and 77% of all injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.

In Shasta County, 545 crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System in 2022. With a population of 180,651 people, it is advisable to exercise caution when driving around the county.