[04-05-2025] Imperial County, CA – Several People Injured After Van Overturns in DUI Hit-And-Run Crash on I-8 Near Dunaway Road

Multiple people sustained injuries in a crash involving a van and a Chevrolet Malibu on Interstate 8 west of Dunaway Road in Imperial County, on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a van carrying 18 passengers overturned after being struck by a Chevrolet Malibu. The driver of the Malibu fled the scene on foot.

The U.S. Border Patrol later located the suspect hiding approximately three miles from the crash site. The driver was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.

Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to assist the injured at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the CHP.

Contact Trusted DUI Accident Lawyers In Imperial County

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 Imperial County 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 Imperial County 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 Imperial County, CA

If you or a loved one were injured in a DUI accident, your safety and well-being are the top priority. Here are the steps you should take when involved in an accident with a drunk or drugged driver:

1. Check for Injuries
   Immediately check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. Look for visible signs like bruises, cuts, or fractures, and be mindful of any pain or discomfort that might indicate internal injuries.
2. Ensure Safety
   Your safety and the safety of others should be your top priority. If the accident occurred in a hazardous location, such as a busy road, move yourself and any injured individuals to a safer area if possible—without worsening any injuries.
3. Report the Accident
   Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so. Law enforcement officers are needed to document the scene. They will conduct sobriety tests, arrest the intoxicated driver if necessary, and file an official report.
4. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
   Emergency responders, including paramedics, will assess your condition and administer first aid. If advised, proceed to the nearest hospital for further treatment. Seeking immediate medical care helps your recovery and provides documentation of your injuries.
5. Gather Information
   While waiting for authorities, collect essential details such as the other driver’s name, contact number, and insurance information. Also, gather contact details of any witnesses, as their statements may support your case.
6. Document the Incident
   Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include images of all vehicle damage, your injuries, and any visible signs of intoxication (e.g., open alcohol containers). This evidence can be critical in building your claim.
7. Call an Experienced Attorney
   Contact a skilled DUI accident lawyer in Imperial County as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable. For trusted legal support, call our dedicated DUI accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.

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.