[05-01-2025] Tulare County, CA – One Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash Caused by Suspected DUI Driver at Burke Street and Kaweah Avenue in Visalia

One person was killed following a three-vehicle crash in Visalia on Thursday evening, May 1, 2025.

According to the Visalia Police Department, the crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Burke Street and Kaweah Avenue.

Authorities stated that 26-year-old Omar C., traveling eastbound on Kaweah Avenue, ran a stop sign at Burke Street and struck two other vehicles.

Following the collision, the suspect fled the scene on foot but was later located and arrested by officers.

One of the drivers involved was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Authorities stated that alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit at (559) 713-4301.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Visalia, CA

Intersection accidents involving drivers under the influence can result in serious injuries or fatalities, creating significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding your legal rights after a DUI-related crash can help you explore potential options for compensation.

DUI accident victim lawyers in Visalia can help you review the circumstances of a collision involving a suspected impaired driver. Legal support may include examining accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and other damages. Consulting a lawyer early may help clarify potential next steps and ensure your rights are understood.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, call our Visalia car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI Accident In Visalia, CA

DUI accidents can be especially serious when multiple vehicles are involved. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for potential claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, even if they appear minor.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims or legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from witnesses to the collision. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult With DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   A lawyer can review your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal involvement may help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, 11,654 fatalities resulted from crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. This marked a 14.3% increase from 2019, when 10,196 deaths were recorded.

On average, a drunk driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes. The 21 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups had the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, each making up 26% of such incidents.

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

Of the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21% (229 deaths) were linked to alcohol-impaired crashes. Additionally, 67% (7,831 deaths) of all DUI-related fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of 0.15 g/dL or higher.

Drunk driving was 3.1 times more common at night in fatal crashes than during the day.