LUCERNE, Calif. – A Lucerne man suffered major injuries on Sunday night when he crossed Highway 20 in a wheelchair and traveled into the path of a car, which struck him.

David Collins, 55, had trauma to his head and left leg following the crash, which occurred just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Highway 20 at Second Avenue, in front of Lucerne Alpine Park, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said Consuelo Rocha, 46, of Ukiah was the driver involved in the crash.

This reporter, who was walking nearby, attempted to stop traffic after witnessing Collins travel in his wheelchair from Alpine Park across Highway 20, outside of the crosswalk.

Drivers traveling eastbound saw this reporter waving and slowed down, with Collins reaching the center turn lane.

He then paused briefly in the turn lane before turning into the path of Rocha, who the CHP said was driving her 1998 Saturn accompanied by her children, 15-year-old Genesis Hernandez and 12-year-old Brian Hernandez.

Rocha did not see Collins, and her Saturn struck his wheelchair, which caused him to cartwheel out of the chair and land on the pavement. After the crash Rocha immediately pulled her vehicle over.

Several bystanders and witnesses responded to help Collins and call 911 while directing traffic around the scene.

Northshore Fire Protection District responded within minutes, transporting Collins to Lucerne Harbor Park, where an air ambulance responded to transport him to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP said.

The CHP said Rocha and the children all appeared to have been wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, and driving under the influence was not a factor.

CHP Officer Joel Skeen is investigating the crash.

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