[01-18-2024] Mendocino County, CA – At Least Four People Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle DUI Crash in Ukiah

At least four people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle DUI crash in Ukiah on Thursday morning, January 18, 2024.

According to the Ukiah Police Department, the collision happened at around 9:00 a.m. along North State Street.

Authorities stated that a 38-year-old suspected DUI driver, identified as Aaron N, was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe and led police on a chase through north Ukiah parking lots, ignoring sirens. The driver then sped north, swerved across lanes, and crashed into an Audi Sedan.

Officials said two women in the Audi, aged 22 and 25, including another passenger who was extricated from the wreckage, were transported to the hospital. The driver was treated at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley. Their names haven’t been released.

Police arrested the Chevrolet driver for suspected felony evasion, driving under the influence, and reckless driving.

The investigation is ongoing.

Experienced Lawyers for Victims of DUI Accidents in Ukiah, Mendocino County

Following a DUI accident, experiencing feelings such as fear, wrath, or suspicion is normal. The negligent party is responsible for paying the victim’s medical bills, missed wages, and other financial expenses.

Get legal guidance from our experts specializing in DUI accidents, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can assist you in evaluating your case.

Our top-notch Mendocino County DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. Being one of the largest law companies specializing in personal injury cases in California, we have successfully obtained over $500 Million in compensation for our clients.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Ways  to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI Accident

Insurance providers support the majority of claims related to accidents caused by drunk driving. One of the critical things you should be aware of is that the insurance provider is always impartial. Please keep in mind that their top priority is to safeguard their financial interests — they are focused on their earnings and not on providing complete and equitable compensation to you and your family.

Insurance firms invest significant money in training personnel to defend company interests. Following a major DUI collision, you can receive a phone call or inquiry from the insurance company of the driver at fault. Exercise caution while considering this kind of request. Regardless of their pleasant manner, an insurance adjuster is not on your side. They are not concerned about your best interests, and you cannot depend on them for guidance.

Here, our Mendocino County DUI accident victim attorneys have gathered our top seven suggestions for handling the insurance company following an injury in a drunk driving crash.

1. Remain Composed and Contact The Authorities. Make it a priority to get prompt medical care and reach out to the appropriate authorities to handle any injuries you may have suffered.
2. Gather Information. Capture images of your injuries and any indications of negligence, and create thorough records of the incident. Make sure to get information from any witnesses who were there during the accident.
3. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. In DUI incidents, insurance companies frequently assign some blame to the injured victim. If they are able to do that, it will enable them to decrease their liability. This implies that funds are being deducted directly from their finances. Never acknowledge or take responsibility for any of the mistakes in a DUI accident. An intoxicated driver should be responsible for their wrongdoing. Furthermore, victims are advised against openly discussing the issue of fault with an insurance adjuster.
4. Avoid Making Statement. You are not required to provide a documented statement to the insurance company right away following an accident. You may receive numerous phone calls from an insurance adjuster requesting a statement. The reason for this is straightforward: they want to gather information that might be used against you during the claims procedure. Remain silent. Your words might be manipulated or misunderstood. Arrange for communication between you and the insurance company to be conducted via your attorney.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. When it comes to DUI accident lawsuits, insurers frequently find it challenging to dodge liability completely. Therefore, they change their strategies. When responsibility is evident, insurance companies restrict the amount of compensation given to an injured person. One typical strategy is to propose a fast, underestimated payment to the victim of the DUI accident. Don’t accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Allow your DUI accident victim attorney to handle negotiations for a settlement.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. It is advisable to seek legal advice before signing any documents from an insurance company. Frequently, insurance companies will request wounded individuals to sign a complete release of their medical records. Ignore their assertion that a paper is ‘standard procedure.’ They are seeking information to utilize in order to decrease your compensation. You might not have to provide them with complete access to your records. Your attorney will ensure that your rights are protected.
7. Work With Experienced DUI Accident Victim Lawyers. There is no need to confront a large insurance company by yourself. There is a significant amount at stake in the majority of DUI accident injury claims. Insurance businesses will allocate money to discover methods to decrease your settlement. To promptly protect your rights, it is advisable to cooperate only with the insurance company after engaging with a skilled lawyer specializing in California DUI accidents. You are entitled to legal representation. Utilize it.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that alcohol-related accidents caused the death of approximately 37 individuals in the United States on a daily basis, which translates to one fatality every 39 minutes. Intoxicated drivers are responsible for 31% of all traffic-related fatalities across the country, resulting in 13,384 deaths, which is a 14% increase from 2020. From 2012 onwards, the average number of deaths caused by drunk driving has been 10,850 each year.

NHTSA reported that California had 1,370 deaths caused by alcohol-impaired driving in 2021, which accounted for 32% of the total 4,285 traffic-related deaths. This number is approximately equal to the countrywide average of 31%. This represents a 16% rise compared to the 1,180 fatalities recorded in 2020 (which accounted for 30% of the total 3,980 traffic-related deaths).

An individual is considered to be breaking the law if their BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is 0.08% or greater, provided they are over the age of 21. If an individual is under the age of 21 or of any age and currently on DUI probation, they are breaking the law if their BAC is 0.01% or higher.