[03-27-2023] Nevada County, CA – Elderly Woman Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash Caused by DUI Driver on Highway 174

An 80-year-old woman was killed after being trapped in a two-vehicle collision caused by a drunk driver in Nevada County on Monday afternoon, March 27, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the fatal DUI crash occurred at about 3:10 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 174 and Brunswick Road southeast of Grass Valley.

The elderly woman was driving a 2006 Mercedes when she was broadsided by 81-year-old Gerald N. of Colfax, driving a Dodge 2500 pickup. Gerald reportedly failed to turn his car at the sharp right curve leading to the intersection’s limit line.

He veered into the double yellow lines and entered the eastbound lane, hitting the Mercedes and sending it to spin across the road. The Dodge continued to the road’s south side, where it hit a metal post and a street sign.

Medical professionals attempted to save the woman’s life, but she was later declared dead on the spot after being trapped in the wreckage. There was no mention of any other injuries.

The Dodge driver was detained and now faces felony charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

No further information about the victim’s identity has yet been released by the authorities.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

In 2019, 10,142 people lost their lives because of drunk driving. That year, drunk driving was responsible for 949 deaths in California, or 2.4 deaths per every 100,000 people. The national average was 3.1 individuals per 100,000.

At a rate of 26.3%, California has one of the highest rates of fatal car accidents involving alcohol among all states (the national average is 28.1%).

While another survey shows that the number of deaths and accidents attributable to drunk driving decreased in the 1980s, thousands of drunken drivers are still on the road today, creating issues for the authorities and other motorists.

In California, a person cannot have more than 0.08 percent alcohol in their blood. Because of their impaired judgment and reaction time, drunk drivers pose a threat to other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

Immediately report a car accident caused by drunk drivers to the police. It is crucial to present proper answers and avoid forming assumptions when communicating with police enforcement or an insurance company. Some victims may even try to apologize even if they are innocent. The insurance company may use such behavior against a claim.

The full report can be obtained by contacting the appropriate authorities. This page features a form that can be submitted online. As soon as we obtain the specifics of your case, we can begin working on it. Our well-known attorney will provide you with their undivided attention during the no-cost initial session.

DUI Accident Lawyers for Victims in Nevada County

California’s civil court system provides victims of drunk drivers with a means of redress. If you or a loved one needs help filing an insurance claim due to a recent injury or death, please get in contact with us.

During your no-cost consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers, your case will be evaluated, the next steps will be outlined, and the variables that may affect your final settlement amount will be discussed.

Our trusted Nevada County drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience advocating for accident victims, with awarded compensation totaling $500 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.