[04-11-2024] Santa Barbara County, CA – Four People Injured Following Suspected DUI Collision Along Highway 101 Near Gaviota

Four people were injured following a suspected DUI collision near Gaviota, Santa Barbara County, early Thursday morning, April 11, 2024.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the incident occurred past 1:00 a.m. along Highway 101, south of Mariposa Reina.

Two vehicles were reportedly involved. One was found in the center median, while the other was obstructing the left-hand lane. Both had significant front-end damage.

An adult female sustained moderate injuries, while two women and a man sustained minor injuries. All patients were taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

One of the drivers was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the collision.

Top-Rated DUI Accident Victim Attorneys in Gaviota, Santa Barbara County

Whenever a victim is injured or killed by a negligent driver on the road, they may be entitled to monetary compensation. It is vital to retain a personal injury lawyer when dealing with accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Contact our team of injury lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., for an initial consultation. Arash Law will provide you with a summary of your case, an estimate of your settlement, and an explanation of the insurance claims procedure.

Seek advice from our top-rated Santa Barbara County DUI accident victim attorneys, who have the recognition and experience to represent victims. We have recovered over $750 Million in settlements and verdicts, demonstrating our commitment to justice and financial compensation for our clients in California.

Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Top 5 Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI Accident in Gaviota

No one can predict a drunk driving accident, but you can prepare for one. A DUI accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a deceased loved one, here’s what to do after a DUI accident:

1. Don’t Agree or Accept Responsibility. Insurance companies often try to shift some blame onto the injured victims of DUI accidents. By doing so, they reduce the liability of individuals who caused the DUI crash. However, drunk drivers should be held responsible for their actions.
2. Avoid Making a Statement. After an accident, you don’t have to give the insurance company a recorded statement. An insurance adjuster will call you many times, asking for your statement so that they can obtain information against you in the claims process. Ensure that you communicate with the insurance company through your lawyer so that your words are not misinterpreted or twisted.
3. Avoid Opening Settlement Discussions. It is common for insurers to limit the amount of a settlement for an injured victim in cases in which liability is clearly evident. The most common tactic they use to compensate victims of DUI accidents is to offer a quick, lowball settlement. Do not settle your claim for less than what you are entitled to. You can retain the services of a personal injury attorney, who will handle the settlement negotiations for you.
4. Avoid Signing Any Documents. A lawyer should be consulted before signing any documents from an insurance company. Insurance companies often require injured victims to sign a release of their medical records. Do not believe them when they claim that they need a particular document. They are simply seeking information to reduce your compensation. You may not be required to give them full access to your records. By hiring a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected.
5. Consult a DUI Accident Victim Lawyer. There is no reason why you should compete with a large insurance company on your own. Insurers will spend considerable resources to reduce your settlement. A California DUI accident victim lawyer can best protect your rights and interests by dealing exclusively with the insurance company.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In the US, drunk driving accidents cause the deaths of 37 people daily, or one every 39 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drunk drivers caused approximately 26,373 traffic deaths and injuries in California, based on 2023 data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).

About 330 alcohol-involved fatalities and injuries have been reported in Santa Barbara County. This is lower than the 377 injuries and fatalities recorded in the previous year.