[04-22-2023] San Mateo County, CA – One Person Killed and Two Others Injured After Wrong-Way DUI Accident in Woodside

A 40-year-old woman was killed, and two others were injured after a DUI accident on Woodside on Saturday afternoon, April 22, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the wrong-way collision between the white Ford sedan and black BMW occurred at 2:38 p.m. on Interstate 280, south of Highway 92.

The Ford reportedly drove north in the southbound lanes when it collided with the BMW, which was heading south.

Emergency personnel declared the female driver of the BMW dead at the scene. Her passenger, a 14-year-old boy, sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Officer Art Montiel, a CHP spokesperson, claimed the Ford driver could have been under the influence of drugs.

The party reportedly ran away from the vehicle naked when the officers responded to the scene. It appears she had undressed after she got out of the car.

The driver of the white Ford was arrested and transported for medical attention with minor injuries. On April 23, 2023, the authorities identified her as 24-year-old Constellatia M.

As reported by Montiel, a wall separates the southbound side of the freeway from the northbound side, so it is unclear how the Ford driver managed to cross over. He said the driver might have entered from an offramp.

On the southbound side of the freeway, three of the five lanes were momentarily blocked. However, by 5:28 p.m., all lanes had reopened.

DUI Accident Victims Lawyers in Woodside, San Mateo County

Frustration, skepticism, and fear are just a few of the emotions that injuries from a DUI-related accident can bring. The driver who caused the collision is legally responsible for any injuries you sustained in the event of a collision. The injured party may experience severe financial difficulties due to medical costs and lost wages.

Although it may be challenging to prevent all drunk driving accidents, California law protects those hurt in DUI accidents.

Our experienced San Mateo County DUI accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

Call (888) 488-1391 to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys, or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?

A DUI accident can be a traumatic experience that results in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Protecting your health, safety, and legal rights is essential. This checklist will advise you on what to do after a DUI accident and how to navigate the aftermath.

• Your priority should be to seek medical attention for yourself or anyone injured.
• Report the accident to the police. The authorities will investigate whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Obtain necessary information at the accident scene, including the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information.
• Ensure you take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage and the injuries sustained.
• You must notify your insurance company and provide all the necessary information about the accident.
• Consult our DUI accident lawyers. They will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that drunk driving accidents claim the lives of approximately 32 people in the US daily, accounting for one fatality every 45 minutes. Drunk driving caused 11,654 traffic deaths in 2020, an increase of 14% over the previous year.

A study conducted by the California DUI Management Information System revealed a 5.8% rise in alcohol-related collision fatalities from 2016 to 2017. There are serious risks associated with driving under the influence for drivers and other road users. Also, it hurts the environment, as drunk drivers waste around two billion gallons of fuel each year.

In 2019, there were 10,142 drunk driving deaths in the US and 949 in California alone, resulting in a rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population in the state compared to the national rate of 3.1. In 2014, drunk driving caused 26.3% of all traffic deaths in California and 28.1% in the United States. In light of these statistics, it is crucial to avoid driving after excessive drinking and monitor alcohol consumption closely.