A two-vehicle crash between an SUV and a station wagon at the intersection of North Plumas Street and Wood Street (State Route 162) in Willows prompted a multi-casualty incident response on Tuesday afternoon, February 17. The crash occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. and initially drew emergency resources after reports of six people involved. First responders from multiple agencies mobilized quickly to the scene, reflecting the seriousness of the initial reports.
The intersection, located along a well-traveled stretch of State Route 162 in the heart of Willows, is a busy crossroads for both local residents and through traffic — making the sudden impact all the more alarming for those in the area. Three of the six individuals involved were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals, while emergency personnel tended to the remaining occupants at the scene.
What We Know About the Willows Crash
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, the two-vehicle accident took place at the intersection of N. Plumas Street and Wood Street, which runs along State Route 162 in the city of Willows. The collision involved an SUV and a station wagon, with a total of 6 individuals reported.
Emergency responders arrived on scene and quickly assessed the injured parties. Three of the six individuals were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been officially confirmed at this time. Authorities conducted their investigation at the scene following the response.
The multi-casualty designation triggered a coordinated response from local emergency services, underscoring how quickly a midday collision can escalate into a significant public safety event. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the involvement of two vehicles with multiple occupants at a busy state route intersection points to the potential for serious consequences whenever drivers fail to exercise caution at controlled crossings.
The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released information regarding whether speed, distraction, or right-of-way violations played a role in the collision. As the investigation continues, additional details are expected to emerge that may clarify the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Why Multi-Vehicle Intersections Are Dangerous
Intersection accidents are among the most common and serious types of vehicle collisions in California. Intersections along state routes like SR-162 carry an elevated risk due to mixed traffic volumes, varying speeds, and the need for drivers to make quick decisions. Factors that frequently contribute to intersection crashes include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way when turning or entering a roadway
- Running red lights or stop signs, particularly in areas with high through-traffic
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use and inattention
- Speeding, which reduces a driver’s ability to react in time
- Obstructed sightlines caused by other vehicles, vegetation, or structures near the intersection
When a collision involves multiple occupants across two vehicles, the potential for serious injury increases significantly. Crashes at state route intersections often involve differing speeds and angles of impact that can result in a range of injuries, from soft tissue damage to more severe trauma requiring hospitalization.
The danger at intersections like N. Plumas Street and SR-162 is further compounded by the unpredictable nature of cross-traffic. Unlike highway accidents, where vehicles generally travel in the same direction, intersection collisions frequently involve vehicles approaching from perpendicular angles at varying speeds — a dynamic that dramatically increases the impact force and the likelihood of serious injury.
In smaller cities like Willows, state route intersections often serve double duty as both local access points and regional through-routes, meaning drivers with very different destinations and levels of familiarity with the roadway are sharing the same space. This mix of local and pass-through traffic, combined with the split-second decisions required at intersections, creates conditions where even a momentary lapse in attention or a misjudgment of speed can have devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Common Injuries in Two-Vehicle Collisions
Victims of intersection crashes may suffer a wide range of injuries depending on the speed of impact, the position of the vehicles, and whether occupants were properly restrained. Some of the most frequently reported injuries in collisions like this one include:
Whiplash and neck injuries are among the most common results of sudden impact, especially in T-bone or rear-end style collisions. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term pain and limited mobility.
Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when a person’s head strikes a window, dashboard, or other surface during a crash. Even moderate TBIs can have lasting cognitive and physical effects.
Broken bones and fractures are common in higher-speed intersection crashes, particularly involving the arms, ribs, legs, and collarbone.
Internal injuries involving the organs or internal bleeding may not present obvious symptoms at the scene but can be life-threatening if left untreated, which is why prompt medical evaluation is critical for anyone involved in a serious collision.
Spinal cord injuries can range from herniated discs to more severe damage that may affect mobility and quality of life long-term.
Anyone who was involved in this crash — whether or not they were transported by ambulance — is strongly encouraged to seek a full medical evaluation as soon as possible.
What Crash Victims in Glenn County Should Know About Their Legal Rights
If you or a loved one was injured in this collision or a similar accident in Glenn County, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. California personal injury law allows injured victims to pursue claims against the at-fault party, whether that involves a negligent driver, a third party, or, in some cases, a government entity responsible for roadway safety.
It is also important for crash victims to understand the time-sensitive nature of personal injury claims in California. The state’s statute of limitations generally gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While two years may seem like ample time, the reality is that evidence can disappear quickly — surveillance footage gets overwritten, witness memories fade, and physical evidence at the scene is cleared.
Taking prompt legal action allows your attorney to preserve critical evidence, obtain official accident reports, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Additionally, insurance companies often move fast in the aftermath of a crash, and accepting an early settlement offer without legal guidance can result in far less compensation than you may actually be entitled to. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a crash is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and your financial recovery.
When people are hurt by someone else’s negligence, they deserve an experienced legal team in their corner — one that will fight to ensure they receive the full compensation they’re owed. We’re here to help the families affected by accidents like this one every step of the way.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
GJEL Accident Attorneys has recovered over $950 million for injured clients across Northern California, including victims of intersection crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, and accidents involving state routes like SR-162. Our legal team handles every aspect of the claims process — from gathering evidence and working with accident reconstruction experts to negotiating with insurance companies and, when necessary, taking cases to trial.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket fees — ever. For victims of crashes like the February 17 Willows collision, navigating the aftermath of a serious accident can feel overwhelming — dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, vehicle damage, and the physical and emotional toll of recovery all at once.
GJEL Accident Attorneys is committed to shouldering the legal burden so that our clients can focus on what matters most: healing. From the moment you contact our firm, we take over communication with insurance companies, conduct a thorough independent investigation, and work tirelessly to ensure that every element of your damages — past, present, and future — is fully accounted for in your claim.
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex multi-vehicle accident cases throughout Northern California, and we understand the unique challenges that rural and semi-rural communities like Willows and Glenn County present when pursuing fair compensation. When you choose GJEL, you gain a dedicated legal team that treats your case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators
For victims who have suffered serious or life-altering injuries in a collision, understanding the potential value of a personal injury claim can be one of the most pressing — and most confusing — parts of the recovery process. Catastrophic injury settlement calculators are tools designed to help accident victims and their attorneys estimate the compensation they may be entitled to by factoring in a range of economic and non-economic damages.
On the economic side, these calculators typically account for current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity — all of which can be substantial when an injury results in permanent disability or an extended recovery period. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium, are also incorporated into the calculation, though these figures are more subjective and often require the expertise of an experienced attorney to accurately assess.
While online settlement calculators can provide a general ballpark figure, they are no substitute for a personalized legal evaluation, as every case involves unique circumstances that can significantly affect the final settlement value. Variables such as the degree of fault, the insurance policy limits of all parties involved, the strength of available evidence, and the jurisdiction in which the claim is filed can all influence the outcome. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney ensures that all applicable damages are identified and pursued, giving injured victims the best possible chance at a full and fair financial recovery. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“A crash like this one is a life-altering event, and the people injured at that Willows intersection deserve more than just medical care — they deserve justice. In the immediate aftermath of a serious collision, victims are often overwhelmed, in pain, and unsure of their next steps, while insurance companies are already working to minimize what they pay out. My advice to anyone hurt in this accident is simple: don’t navigate this alone. Document everything, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, and speak with an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement offer. At GJEL, we’ve dedicated our careers to standing up for injured Californians, and we’re here to make sure that the people affected by this crash have a strong, experienced advocate in their corner every step of the way.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in the February 17 crash in Willows or any other serious accident in Glenn County, do not wait to get the legal help you deserve. Time is critical, and every day that passes can weaken your case. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we believe that every injured victim deserves access to top-tier legal representation — regardless of their financial situation.
That is why we operate on a strict contingency fee basis: you pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. No upfront retainers, no hourly billing, no out-of-pocket costs — ever. Our fee is based solely on the compensation we recover for you, so our interests are completely aligned with yours from day one. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us fight to secure the full compensation you are entitled to.
Remember, prioritizing healing and recovery should be your top concern in the aftermath of such tragic events. Let experienced legal professionals handle the complexities of your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have years of experience fighting for the little guy and securing the settlements and compensation you deserve.
Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Sacramento office to schedule your consultation. Remember, California has time limits for filing a claim, so acting promptly is crucial.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we’re more than just lawyers – your advocates, support system, and path to justice. Let us help you take the first step towards recovery and peace of mind. Call us now to talk to the experts!
Local Resources for Crash Victims in Willows and Glenn County
Following a serious accident in the Willows area, the following local agencies and resources are available to assist victims, families, and anyone seeking information about the crash or its aftermath.
Willows City Police Department, 201 N. Lassen St., Willows, CA 95988. The Willows Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Willows and can be contacted to obtain official incident reports or to file a report related to an accident within city limits. Website: www.willowsca.gov
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Willows Area, 464 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The local CHP office handles traffic enforcement and accident investigations along state routes, including SR-162. Victims can request official CHP collision reports through this office, which are often essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Website: www.chp.ca.gov
Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, 543 W. Oak St., Willows, CA 95988. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated Glenn County and was the reporting agency for the February 17 crash. Sheriff’s reports can be requested directly through this office. Website: www.glenncounty.org/sheriff
Glenn Medical Center, 1133 W. Sycamore St., Willows, CA 95988. Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Emergency services available 24/7). Glenn Medical Center is the primary hospital serving Willows and Glenn County and is likely where ambulance-transported victims from this crash were taken for treatment. Patients can contact the medical center directly for records requests and follow-up care coordination. Website: www.glennmed.org
Glenn County Health Services Agency, 240 N. Villa Ave., Willows, CA 95988. The Glenn County Health Services Agency provides a range of public health and mental health services for county residents, including support for trauma survivors and those dealing with the psychological aftermath of serious accidents. Website: www.glenncounty.org/health
California DMV – SR-1 Traffic Accident Report California law requires drivers involved in a collision resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to file a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days of the accident. Failure to file this form can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. File online or download the form at: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file-a-sr-1-report-of-a-traffic-accident
California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) The California OTS provides statewide resources on traffic safety, accident prevention, and victim assistance programs. Their website includes educational resources and links to local victim services. Website: www.ots.ca.gov
Victim Compensation Board – California (CalVCB) If you were a victim of a violent crime or were injured in an accident involving a criminal act, such as a DUI, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the California Victim Compensation Board, which can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Website: www.victims.ca.gov
