[03-24-2020] Long Beach, CA – Hit and Run Suspect Arrested After Hitting Two Pedestrians

Two men attained severe injuries after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in Long Beach, CA, on March 24. 

The accident occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. The unidentified victims were reportedly standing in the far right lane of Del Amo Boulevard. They were organizing their towing equipment when all of a suddenly struck by a minivan driven by a suspected drunk driver. The driver was a 50-year-old woman named Charlette Anne Colton.

The drunk driver had a prior DUI conviction and was proven to have more than twice the limit of blood alcohol concentration during the time of the accident. 

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect’s minivan crushed one of the victim’s legs and injured the other. Due to the severity of the impact, one of them is currently in critical condition.

The drunk driver fled the scene but was eventually caught. She was arrested on suspicion of DUI, causing injury and hit-and-run. She is currently being held in lieu of a bail amounting up to $100,000. 

The suspect was previously convicted of a DWI back in 2012.

Fatal Hit and Run Crash Investigation in Long Beach is Underway

It is apparent in this case that the liability falls on Colton for being proven to be driving under the influence at the time of the accident. 

Driving while under the influence is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible things a driver can do. Unfortunately, around 300,000 people annually are injured as a result of drunk driving crashes in the U.S. 

During the investigation, authorities will attempt to determine what occurred in the moments that were leading up to the accident. Aside from the criminal charges filed against the suspect, the victim’s family is also entitled to receive compensation through a civil lawsuit filed against the guilty party. 

When facing fatal car accident cases like this, it’s essential to have an experienced Long Beach wrongful death attorney specializing in drunk driving cases to conduct an independent investigation to protect the rights of the victim’s family better. Attorneys can re-interview important witnesses, review related surveillance footage from the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the suspect. Going through these procedures is necessary to help the victims get the justice that they deserve. 

Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyers

Getting injured after an accident can be stressful as it has the potential to disrupt all aspects of life, such as family, work, and finances. While waiting for the results of the official investigation, the victims are entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit with the help of their attorney.

Lawyers will vigorously fight for their client’s rights while ensuring that the suspect will be held accountable for their crimes. 

At Arash Law, our top-rated California auto accident lawyers have the skills and experience needed to represent drunk driving accident victims in the full range of personal injury claims. We will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights and help you and your family recover the full and fair financial compensation that you rightfully deserve.

Are you ready to find out if you have a case? We are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact our legal team to set up your free, strictly confidential personal injury case evaluation. Our legal team will get you answers. With conveniently located offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, we are well-positioned to serve injured victims throughout the state of California.