Wyatt Phillips and Covelo Man Injured, Brenton Michels Arrested after Willits Car Crash on Highway 101 at Willits Bypass

Willits, California (June 4, 2020) – Wyatt Phillips, 25, of Ukiah, has been identified as one of three victims who were injured in a suspected DUI accident on Tuesday morning in Willits, according to authorities.

At about 7:20 a.m., on June 2, the California Highway Patrol responded to the major injury crash on Highway 101 at Willits Bypass.

A 1999 Honda Civic, operated by Brenton Michels, 32, of Kennewick, Washington, was traveling southbound on Highway 101 when it swerved into oncoming traffic on the Willits Bypass.

The Honda reportedly collided head-on with a Peterbilt cement truck that was driven by Wyatt Phillips, 25, of Ukiah. The cement truck overturned and partially spilled its load of concrete as a result of the crash impact.

A tire from the cement truck came off and struck a 2015 Subaru Legacy, driven by a 58-year-old Humboldt County man. The Subaru had been following the Honda and parked on the shoulder of the bypass.

Following the accident, the Honda came to a rest blocked the southbound lane of the highway.

Phillips sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital for treatment. 

A passenger in the Subaru, only identified as a 25-year-old Covelo man, was also taken to Howard Memorial Hospital with moderate injuries.

Michels was airlifted to Santa Rosa and then to Sacramento with major injuries.  Michels was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Traffic on the bypass was stopped for several hours due to the accident.

An investigation into the accident is underway.

Managing Partner and CEO Alpine Law Group, Mr. Arin Khodaverdian believes that car accident claims are rarely straightforward 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 and it is crucial, therefore, to have an experienced attorney on your side,” He said.

Mr. Khodaverdian has worked for many years as a wrongful death and personal injury attorney. He and his team of attorneys has helped thousands of injury victims and their families recover over $100 million in compensation. “In one case, we recovered a 7-figure settlement within 11 business days of being hired by the family of a victim who was killed by a negligent driver.”

Swift action by an experienced attorney helps preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and begin to pursue those responsible for the incident.

Mr. Khodaverdian is personally available for free consultations 24/7 by calling 866-773-0222