Tomas Rivas ID'd as Driver Killed in Santa Rosa DUI Crash on Corporate Center Parkway at Challenger Way
Santa Rosa, California (November 15, 2021) – The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office has identified the man who died Friday night following a suspected drunk driving crash in Santa Rosa as Tomas Rivas, 51, of Santa Rosa.
The deadly collision occurred at around 8:43 p.m. on November 12 in the area of Corporate Center Parkway and Challenger Way.
Police said a red Jeep, driven by Rivas, entered Corporate Center Parkway from a nearby convenience store and drove southbound in the northbound lanes.
The Jeep then collided with an oncoming white Ford SUV.
Driver Killed in Corporate Center Parkway Crash Identified as Santa Rosa Man
Rivas was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle, authorities said.
The other driver, a 37-year-old Santa Rosa woman, was taken to a hospital with major injuries and was in stable condition.
Investigators believe Rivas may have been drinking alcohol just prior to the collision.
Further details on the incident were not released.
The collision remains under investigation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents in Santa Rosa
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience for the victims and their families. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 490 traffic-related accidents were reported in 2020 in Santa Rosa, claiming the lives of about 4 people. Statistics show that the main cause of most of these auto accidents is human error. This includes dangerous acts such as; distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving, and failure to observe traffic laws.
When you are involved in a traffic collision, you and your family may be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on medical bills, property damages, and maybe funeral services, while also enduring endless mental and emotional suffering.
Although the exact cause of the accident above was not immediately determined, the authorities will continue to gather more information, including witness statements to establish the cause of the accident. However, Pacific Attorney Group's managing attorney P. Mark Shayani believes that a separate and independent investigation into the crash is equally important. “A car accident attorney will investigate, research, and review every case thoroughly and explain to clients their rights and answer all questions to their satisfaction,” he said.
Victims of traffic accidents have an enforceable right under law to full and fair compensation for the costs and losses they suffer. Whether they receive what the law provides for them or whether they receive any compensation at all depends on how well their attorneys can pursue their claims through the intricacies of the state civil legal processes.
Call a California Auto Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a traffic accident and got injured, it is important to get in touch with a litigator immediately for guidance. At Pacific Attorney Group, we specialize in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We assist accident victims and their families to seek justice. Our attorneys will pursue the justice you deserve and will work hard to obtain fair compensation for your losses, injuries, and suffering.