One adult and an infant died in a DUI car crash in San Diego on Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2023.
California Highway Patrol said the incident occurred around 3:13 p.m. on southbound Interstate 15, south of state Route 76.
As per the report, the black pickup truck overturned and landed on its roof while the black sedan smoked after the collision. It resulted in the tragic deaths of an adult and an infant.
The suspect was identified as Eric A., a 23-year-old Oceanside man facing multiple charges, including felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter.
According to the family, the individuals involved in the incident have been identified as Courteney T. and a four-year-old girl named Amaya T.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing by the CHP.
DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in San Diego
In most cases of DUI accidents, victims are unlikely to recover and fully return to normal life after the incident. As a result, California’s injury law covers injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. Negligent drivers who cause accidents and injuries can be held accountable through personal injury lawsuits.
Accident victims often face financial losses due to injuries, including lost income, lengthy rehabilitation periods, and high medical bills.
You can rely on our most reliable San Diego DUI accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After a DUI Accident
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe consequences, including accidents that result in injury or death. Knowing how to protect yourself and your legal rights is crucial if you are involved in a DUI accident. Here are the necessary steps to take:
- Remain calm: Ensure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. Try to remain calm and avoid admitting fault.
- Ensure your safety: Use your emergency flashers and move to a safe location while waiting for the police to arrive.
- Call 911 to report the accident: They can record the incident, gather information, and create an official report.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s): Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and further relevant details.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Immediate medical care can reduce injury damages.
- Inform your insurance provider: Call quickly and follow the agent’s instructions for registering your crash.
- Contact insurance adjusters: Speak to an attorney before recording a statement or accepting an insurance settlement deal.
- Keep accident-related documents organized: Keep all documents related to the incident, such as the police report, medical bills, and the other driver’s information, in one place.
Fatal DUI Accident Statistics
Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States, leading to numerous traffic accidents and fatalities yearly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 32 people die in drunk driving accidents every 45 minutes in the country. In 2020, there was a 14% increase in drunk driving deaths, resulting in 11,654 fatalities.
Drunk driving is responsible for approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities, with 10,500 people killed in drunk driving accidents between 2011 and 2020. The California DUI Management Information System also reported a 5.8% increase in alcohol-related crashes in 2017, following a 6.9% increase in 2016.
Drunk drivers pose a danger to other motorists and passengers and harm the environment by wasting around 2 billion gallons of fuel every year. To prevent drunk driving accidents and fatalities, everyone must limit alcohol consumption and avoid driving after drinking. It can help save lives and prevent devastating consequences for families and communities affected by drunk driving accidents.