[04-26-2025] San Diego County, CA – 42-Year-Old Man Killed in Suspected DUI Crash at C Street and 17th Street in East Village

A 42-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle collision involving a suspected DUI driver in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego early Saturday morning, April 26, 2025.

According to the San Diego Police Department, the crash occurred just before 3:20 a.m. when a 21-year-old man driving east on C Street entered the intersection at 17th Street and collided with the victim’s vehicle, which was traveling southbound on 17th Street.

Emergency crews extricated the 42-year-old man, who was unconscious, from his vehicle. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The 21-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The names of both the victim and the suspect have not been released.

The SDPD’s Traffic Division is investigating the collision.

Contact Our Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers in San Diego, CA

Drunk driving accidents continue to cause devastating losses each year, despite strict laws and widespread public awareness efforts. These preventable crashes often leave victims facing serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or the tragic loss of a loved one. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a DUI driver, our San Diego DUI accident lawyers are ready to help.

Our attorneys will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, explain your legal options, and collect key evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong and effective claim. With over $750 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, Arash Law has earned a reputation for delivering successful outcomes, even in the most complex cases.

To schedule your free consultation, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form today.

What to Do After a DUI Accident In San Diego, CA

Taking the right steps after a DUI accident is crucial to protecting your health, preserving evidence, and strengthening your legal claim. Here is what you should do:

1. Prioritize Your Safety

   Move to a safe location if you are able. Quickly assess your injuries before checking on others involved in the accident.

2. Call Emergency Services

   Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. Immediate reporting also helps law enforcement locate the impaired driver if they attempt to flee.

3. Avoid Confrontation With The Driver

   Do not argue with or approach the intoxicated driver. Their behavior may be erratic or dangerous. Wait for police officers to intervene.

4. Document Everything You Can

   Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, debris, and any skid marks. Every detail could support your claim later.

5. Speak With Witnesses

   Ask witnesses to stay and provide statements to the police. Be sure to collect their names and contact information for follow-up.

6. Get A Full Medical Evaluation

   Visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or head injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.

7. Contact An Experienced DUI Accident Attorney

   Legal guidance is essential after a DUI crash. Our San Diego DUI accident lawyers can help you build a strong case, protect your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies from the start.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Drunk driving remains a major cause of fatal traffic collisions in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 11,654 fatalities in 2020 were linked to alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths nationwide. This figure represented a 14.3 percent increase from 2019, which recorded 10,196 fatalities.

On average, a life was lost to drunk driving every 45 minutes in 2020. Drivers between the ages of 21-24 and 25-34 made up the highest percentages of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, with each group contributing to 26 percent of such incidents.

When comparing vehicle types, motorcycle riders had the highest rate of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes at 27 percent, followed by passenger car drivers at 23 percent, light truck drivers at 19 percent, and large truck drivers at 3 percent.

Among young victims, 21 percent of the 1,093 traffic fatalities involving children aged 14 and younger in 2020 were connected to alcohol-impaired drivers. Furthermore, 67 percent of all DUI-related fatalities involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher, nearly double the legal limit.

Fatal DUI crashes were also far more likely to happen at night, occurring 3.1 times more often compared to daytime hours.