[03-29-2025] Madera County, CA – Driver Injured in DUI Hit-And-Run Crash at Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99 Off-Ramp

A driver sustained minor injuries following a DUI hit-and-run collision involving three vehicles at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and the Highway 99 off-ramp in Madera on Saturday morning, March 29, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 9:00 a.m. when a 26-year-old man from Gilroy, driving a white Chevrolet Equinox, exited southbound Highway 99 at a high rate of speed toward Cleveland Avenue.

The driver of the Equinox reportedly collided with a raised median and a traffic control signal before striking the left side of a red Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old man from Madera, who was stopped at a red light.

The impact pushed the Honda into the left side of a white Chevrolet Traverse driven by a 53-year-old man from Madera, causing both vehicles to overturn.

The driver of the Honda was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, while the driver of the Traverse was not injured.

The driver of the Equinox fled the scene on foot but was located by officers at a nearby business.

Authorities determined that the suspect was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. He was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI and hit-and-run.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Contact Trusted DUI Accident Lawyers In Madera, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both dangerous and illegal, posing a serious threat to public safety across California. DUI-related accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families overwhelmed with medical bills, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a DUI accident, Arash Law is ready to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our experienced DUI accident lawyers in Madera will thoroughly evaluate your case, outline your legal options, and gather essential evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong claim.

At Arash Law, we are committed to advocating for DUI accident victims in Madera and throughout California. With more than $750 million recovered through verdicts and settlements, our firm has earned a reputation for achieving successful outcomes, even in the most challenging cases.

You don’t have to face this process alone. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

How to Protect Yourself After a DUI Accident in Madera, CA

Accidents can leave victims feeling shocked and unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately after a DUI accident is essential to protect your rights and improve your chances of securing compensation.

Here are the steps our Madera DUI accident lawyers recommend:

1. Stay at the Accident Scene
   Move your vehicle to a safe area, such as the side of the road, to avoid further collisions, but do not leave the scene. California law requires all parties involved in a traffic accident to remain at the site, regardless of fault. Leaving the scene can result in hit-and-run charges.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Call 911 if you or anyone else is injured. Receiving medical care as soon as possible helps prevent complications and provides documentation of your injuries, which is essential for filing a claim. Immediate treatment also prevents insurance companies from downplaying or disputing your injuries.
3. Contact the Police
   Report the accident to the nearest local police department. Officers will investigate the scene, conduct field sobriety tests if necessary, and create an official accident report. This report serves as valuable evidence to support your claim.
4. Gather Evidence
   Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damaged vehicles. Record essential information, including the names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved. Ask witnesses for their statements and contact information to support your claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Provide basic information about the accident to your insurer, but be careful about what you say. Insurance companies may try to use your statements against you to reduce or deny your claim.
6. Consult Arash Law
   Contact our experienced Madera DUI accident lawyers for guidance. We will explain your rights, help you gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurers, and hold the intoxicated driver accountable. Our team will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, 11,654 fatalities resulted from crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. This marked a 14.3% increase from 2019 when 10,196 deaths were recorded.

On average, a drunk driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes. The 21 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups had the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, each making up 26% of such incidents.

Among vehicle types, motorcycle riders had the highest rate of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes at 27%, followed by passenger car drivers (23%), light truck drivers (19%), and large truck drivers (3%).

Of the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21% (229 deaths) were linked to alcohol-impaired crashes. Additionally, 67% (7,831 deaths) of all DUI-related fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of 0.15 g/dL or higher.

Drunk driving was 3.1 times more common at night in fatal crashes than during the day.