[04-20-2023] Santa Barbara County, CA – One Killed, Two More Injured After Suspected DUI Crash in Goleta

One person was killed, while two more were injured after a suspected DUI crash in Goleta late Thursday evening, April 20, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash happened around 11:00 p.m. along Cathedral Oaks near Kellogg Avenue.

A Ford pickup truck was occupied by three individuals when it crashed into a tree and caught fire.

A 22-year-old passenger whose identity remains undisclosed was declared dead.

The other occupants were an 18-year-old driver named Daniel V. and a 22-year-old passenger named Patrick M. Both sustained severe injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.

VelezValerio was arrested for driving under the influence. Authorities have yet to release further information.

Renowned Goleta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers for Victims

Victims of drunk drivers who cause injuries can get legal representation in California. We can help you file an insurance claim if you or a loved one have recently suffered an injury or death.

A lawyer will review your case at no cost to you. They’ll discuss the next steps and anything that could change the settlement offer.

Our renowned Goleta drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience and recognition advocating for accident victims, with awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

Large insurance companies face litigation for accidents caused by drunk drivers. The insurance company is never on your side, so always remember. They prioritize protecting their financial interests over yours.

The insurance sector devotes significant resources to ensuring its employees always put their customers first. After being involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, your insurance company may contact you. Never give in to coercion of any kind. They are not looking out for your best interests, so you shouldn’t trust them. Here’s some advice from our California DUI accident lawyers on negotiating with insurance companies after a DUI-related accident.

• Do not panic. Don’t let your emotions distract you; keep a level head.
• Put your car somewhere secure and out of traffic if you can.
• Call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or substantial vehicle damages.
• Collect information from all parties involved in the incident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details.
• Do not apologize or accept guilt even if you believe you were at fault. Who is at fault should be determined by the police and insurance companies.
• If you or anyone involved in the incident has injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
• Get in touch with your insurer right away and give them the details of what happened.
• When interacting with insurance adjusters, it is vital to be truthful about the situation at hand.
• Keep track of relevant documents like police reports, hospital bills, and insurance notifications following an accident.
• Consult an accident lawyer for advice and representation if you have questions about your legal options or are facing legal action.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

Drunk driving was responsible for the deaths of 10,142 individuals in 2019. There were 949 fatalities in California attributed to DUI that year, or 2.4 for every 100,000 residents. The death rate was 3.1% per 100,000 people in the country.

Drunk driving is a significant cause of death in California, with a fatality rate of 26.3%. The average across all of America is 28.1%.

Thousands of drivers continue to put themselves, other drivers, and law enforcement in danger yearly despite a study showing decreased drunk driving fatalities and accidents throughout the 1980s.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in California is 0.08. Drunk drivers pose a threat to pedestrians and other motorists due to their impaired judgment and reaction time.