San Luis Obispo County, CA (January 9, 2025) – A serious head-on collision on Highway 101 early Thursday morning left two men with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Accident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 12:43 a.m. when 36-year-old David Berdahl, driving a 2008 Ford Ranger northbound in the southbound lanes, collided head-on with a 2009 Jeep Liberty driven by Anthony Padron, 32. Padron swerved to the right to avoid the oncoming vehicle but could not prevent the crash. The cars collided just north of Grand Avenue, blocking the southbound lanes of Highway 101.
First responders extricated Berdahl, who was trapped in his Ford Ranger and transported him to Adventist Health Sierra Vista hospital with major injuries. Padron, who managed to exit his Jeep before it caught fire, was taken to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
CHP reports indicate that alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the collision.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Driving on the wrong side of the road, as Berdahl did by traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, constitutes an act of negligence. This reckless action violates California traffic laws, placing other drivers at severe risk of harm. If alcohol indeed played a role in the crash, it further intensifies Berdahl’s negligence, as driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also illegal. In this case, Berdahl could be held accountable for the injuries sustained by Padron through a personal injury claim.
I extend my thoughts to all those affected by this devastating accident.
Source: Yahoo