[02-12-2023] Fresno County, CA – 16-Year-Old Killed After Being Ejected in DUI Single-Car Crash

A 16-year-old passenger of a single vehicle was killed after being ejected due to a suspected DUI crash in Fresno County on Sunday morning, February 12, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. along Elkhorn Avenue, west of Jameson Avenue, near the unincorporated community of Burrel.

A total of four people were inside a silver Toyota Tacoma that was going west on Elkhorn when it failed to round a corner, rolled multiple times after veering off the road, and ended up on the dirt shoulder. Speed may have played a role.

The unrestrained teenager was ejected from the car and was declared dead at the scene despite life-saving procedures performed by the responders. The three other occupants reportedly sustained minor wounds but declined medical attention.

The 26-year-old driver was detained and booked into the Fresno County Jail for felony DUI and manslaughter. Further investigation continues.

Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Drunk driving was responsible for 10,142 deaths across the United States in 2019, with 949 deaths occurring in the Golden State. That equates to 3.1% of the total population in the US and 2.4% of the total population in California. Drunk driving was responsible for 26.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state in 2014. (and 28.1 percent nationwide).

A second report found that while the rate of drunk driving and the number of deaths associated with it have dropped since the 1980s, millions of drunken drivers still cause problems on the roads each year. The drivers’ BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) in California should not exceed 0.08.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Reporting a DUI car collision to the correct authorities is a priority. Give straightforward answers to questions about what happened, and don’t make assumptions. The victim could feel forced to say sorry even though they were completely innocent of the incident. The insurance company may use such behavior against a claim.

You can get a copy of the report by requesting it from the authorities. You can also fill out the form on our website to have us submit the request on your behalf. Having the necessary document will allow us to start processing your claim. During our no-cost consultation, we will tell you whether or not you have a solid case.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers for Victims in Fresno County

In California, victims of drunk driving accidents can seek financial compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed and you need help negotiating a reasonable settlement offer with the insurance company, please contact us as soon as possible.

Our trusted Fresno County drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.