[04-02-2023] Orange County, CA – 11-Month-Old Boy Killed, Parents Injured After Being Hit by DUI Driver in Las Flores

An 11-month-old baby was killed while his parents were injured after being struck by a motorist driving under the influence of drugs in Orange County on Sunday afternoon, April 02, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at about 4:20 p.m. near the Antonio Parkway and Oak Tree Lane intersection in Las Flores, south of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Responders located the family injured and a silver Hyundai with a broken windshield stopped on the roadside’s embankment. The family comprised a 34-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman, and their 11-month-old boy.

They were strolling on the sidewalk when the car struck them. The CHP report stated that the vehicle hopped onto the sidewalk for several hundred feet before it struck the family.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, all of them were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The infant, identified as Madden O., died despite efforts to save him.

The driver, Daniel L. from San Clemente, was taken to the hospital before being arrested for suspicions of DUI of drugs. The investigation continues.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

In 2019, 10,142 people lost their lives because of drunk driving. In that year, drunk driving was responsible for 949 deaths in California, or 2.4 deaths per every 100,000 people. There were 3.1 reported cases for every 100,000 people in the United States.

With 26.3% (compared to the national average of 28.1%), California has one of the highest rates of fatalities due to drunk driving.

Despite the fact that another study found a decrease in fatalities and accidents caused by drunk driving since the 1980s, thousands of impaired drivers remain on the road today, endangering themselves, other motorists, and law enforcement.

The limit for allowable blood alcohol level in California is 0.08 percent. Drunk drivers pose a threat to other road users and pedestrians because of their slowed reaction times and impaired decision-making.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

In the event of a car crash caused by a DUI driver, it is crucial to report it to the police right away. Whether dealing with the law or an insurance company, it’s important to be as forthcoming and accurate as possible. If the accident victim apologizes for what happened despite being innocent, the insurance company may refuse to pay.

Contact the appropriate authorities if you wish to obtain a copy of the full report. There is a fillable online form here as well. Your complaint will be looked at once we receive this information. One of our top attorneys will give you their undivided attention throughout your free, no-obligation consultation.

DUI Accident Lawyers for Victims in Orange County

In California, those who have been hurt by drunk drivers can seek compensation in civil court. 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.

Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, explain the next stages, and go through the factors that could change the overall amount of compensation you receive during your free consultation.

Our trusted Orange 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 $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.