Monterey County, CA. – One person was killed in a car accident on Saturday night in Monterey County.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 9:51 p.m. on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road.
65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper was driving a 2016 Toyota Tacoma southbound in the northbound lane when he collided with an oncoming 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez, of Salinas.
The impact pushed the Corolla into the southbound lane, where it collided with the front of a 2014 Honda Accord driven by a 36-year-old man from King City.
Gomez was killed in the accident.
Cooper, a resident of Oregon, was taken to Natividad Medical Center with major injuries. He was suspected of DUI and was later arrested at Natividad.
An 11-year-old passenger in the Corolla suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
The occupants of the Accord suffered moderate to minor injuries and transported themselves to Mee Memorial Hospital.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing.
There were 2,362 people killed or injured in fatal and injury-related traffic accidents in Monterey County in 2022, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). 84 victims were injured or killed while riding bikes, while 151 victims were on foot. Nearly 10% of the traffic-related injuries that year were suffered by non-vehicle operators. Pedestrian and bicycle collisions have risen in general in California since 2014 and peaked between 2021 and 2023, highlighting the need for more emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle rider safety. There is a need for continued sensitization and introduction of stringent measures to help curb the rising cases of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Bicyclists are especially safer when there are dedicated bike lanes to reduce interaction between bicyclists and other traffic.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled Fresno wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.