Selena Araiza ID’d as Woman Killed in Lompoc Car Accident on Highway 1 near Santa Rosa Road
Lompoc, California (February 18, 2020) – Authorities have identified the woman who was killed Friday evening in a two-vehicle accident in Lompoc as Selena Josefina Araiza, 24, of Santa Barbara.
The deadly crash took place at around 6:20 p.m. Friday, February 14 on Highway 1 near Santa Rosa Road.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Michael Hanson, 55, of Lompoc, was driving a 2005 Honda S2000 northbound on Highway 1 when he drifted off the road.
The Honda then careened back across the traffic lanes and collided with a 2015 Nissan Sentra that was heading southbound on Highway 1, driven by Joseph Hernandez, 27, of Santa Barbara.
Araiza, who was riding as a passenger in the Nissan, was declared dead at the scene.
Hernandez and Hanson sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment.
It is undermined if alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
The accident remains under investigation.
According to Arin Khodaverdian, the Managing Partner and CEO Alpine Law Group, a separate investigation by an experienced attorney is necessary so as clearly uncover the circumstances surrounding the collision. “An attorney will also help the victim to navigate all the legal processes in pursuit of fair compensation and justice. Car accident claims are rarely straightforward, and, regardless of the circumstances involved, liable insurance companies will often do everything possible to limit their out-of-pocket expenses by either devaluing or outright denying your claim. It is crucial, therefore, that you have an experienced attorney on your side,” said Arin.