St. George, UT (July 20, 2025) – During evening rush hour on July 16, a serious two-vehicle accident unfolded at the intersection of River Road and Venture Drive, leaving one driver injured and a St. George man under arrest for negligence.
Shortly after 6 p.m., emergency personnel arrived to find a black passenger car severely damaged with the driver trapped inside. According to St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker, the man’s legs were pinned under the dashboard, requiring crews to cut the door from the vehicle to free him.
The driver was transported by ambulance to St. George Regional Hospital, where he underwent surgery later that evening.
Police say the crash involved a black Dodge Ram pickup driven by 28-year-old Ronald Jacob Barlow, who allegedly drifted out of his lane while adjusting his vehicle’s air conditioning. Officers at the scene reported detecting a faint smell of alcohol and marijuana from Barlow’s vehicle. After failing a field sobriety test, he was arrested and booked into jail.
Barlow initially faced charges for DUI and negligent vehicle operation causing serious injury. The following day, the Washington County Attorney’s Office dropped the DUI charge but maintained the negligence charge and added a lane infraction. He has since been released on bail. Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We hope the injured driver makes a full and swift recovery.
Car Accidents in Utah
Every year, thousands of people are injured in car accidents across Utah. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, distracted driving, impaired driving, and lane deviations are among the top causes of these incidents. Here in Utah, motor vehicle accidents account for a significant portion of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Understanding how victims are affected after crashes helps shed light on how to protect yourself after a collision:
- Physical Injuries: From broken bones to spinal trauma, injuries can vary widely and often require weeks or months of recovery. Even with quick treatment, victims may face long-term complications.
- Mental and Emotional Stress: Many victims experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or depression after serious accidents. Mental health care is a critical component of full recovery.
- Lost Income: Time off work to heal can impact a household financially. Some may never return to the same profession due to their injuries.
- Medical Costs: Hospital stays, surgery, rehab, and medication costs can quickly add up. Insurance rarely covers the full extent of treatment, placing a burden on families.
- Vehicle Damage: Repairing or replacing a vehicle after a serious crash adds another layer of disruption to the victim’s life.
- Legal Struggles: Victims are often left to deal with insurance claims, medical documentation, and other paperwork on top of recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s important to act quickly. Call our St. George car accident attorney to get the help you need. Taking early action ensures crucial evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. A trusted attorney can deal with insurance companies and help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to while you focus on healing.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we’ve helped Utah families move forward after serious accidents since 1993. Our attorneys only handle personal injury cases, so you’ll have a team that truly understands what you’re going through. When you work with us, you’ll always have direct access to your lawyer—not a paralegal or assistant. We also keep our fees reasonable, often lower than other firms, and we don’t charge anything upfront.
We never charge a fee on no-fault PIP benefits and don’t increase rates if your case goes to trial. Call our team today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation and let us help you get your life back on track.