Drunk driving in the time leading up to the holidays is nothing unusual, and many lives are endangered by a few drivers who show little concern for the safety of other road users. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits fill the California civil courts in the new year, and many of the cases result from accidents caused by drunk drivers. A 30-year-old Santa Maria man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving recently after a fatal crash on Highway 154.
California Highway Patrol reports indicate that the accident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on a Sunday last month. The suspected drunk driver allegedly crossed into the lanes of oncoming traffic, where he collided with a westbound vehicle that was occupied by a 35-year-old driver and two adult passengers. The force of the crash caused this car to flip over before another westbound vehicle smashed into it from behind. That was a minivan driven by a 43-year-old driver who was accompanied by a 50-year-old passenger.
Reportedly, firefighters had to extricate the victims from the vehicles. The driver of the car that rolled over and the passenger in the minivan both died at the accident scene. The minivan driver and both passengers in the first car were transported to the hospital with injuries of varying severity, and the alleged drunk driver apparently suffered minor injuries. The CHP reportedly arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving.
Injured victims of drunk driving accidents in California, along with the surviving family members of those who lost their lives in such crashes, may pursue financial relief. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, lawsuits may be easier to navigate because establishing negligence can be challenging. A successful presentation of the claim may lead to a monetary judgment to cover financial and emotional damages.
Source: santamariatimes.com, “Two killed in multi-vehicle crash on Highway 154 in Buellton; driver arrested on suspicion of DUI,” Dec. 17, 2017