[05-25-2023] Riverside County, CA – One Died, One Severely Injured After DUI Vehicle Crash in Thermal

A 43-year-old man lost his life, while a 27-year-old man suffered severe injuries after a DUI vehicle crash in Thermal, Riverside County, on Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol said the incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Harrison Street, north of 80th Avenue.

According to the report, the 2001 Ford Ranger drove southbound on Harrison Street behind a slow-moving tractor. At the same time, the 2016 Toyota Corolla was also heading southbound on Harrison Street, speeding up significantly and crashing into the rear end of the Ford Ranger.

As a result of the incident, the driver of the Ford lost his life at the scene. To respect the privacy of his family members, his identity has not been revealed yet, pending proper notification.

After sustaining significant injuries, the driver of the Toyota was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for medical care. Also, law enforcement apprehended him suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The investigation is ongoing.

DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in Riverside County

In California, individuals involved in DUI accidents have two avenues for pursuing compensation: through their insurance company or by following legal action in a court of law. As a crucial first step, we strongly advise consulting with our team of experienced attorneys. If you or a loved one has endured severe injuries or a tragic loss due to another person’s negligence, we urge you to contact our esteemed attorneys.

During an initial consultation, one of our attorneys will assess your case, explain the subsequent course of action, and address any factors that may influence the settlement offer, all at no charge to you.

You can rely on our most trusted Riverside County drunk driving 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 $500 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

Being in a DUI accident is a distressing experience. This guide outlines crucial steps after such an incident, from prioritizing safety to seeking legal assistance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively navigate the aftermath and protect your rights.

• Ensure Safety: Prioritize safety for yourself and others involved.
• Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical help for any injuries.
• Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to report the incident.
• Gather Information: Collect accident details, including drivers, witnesses, and insurance information.
• Document the Incident: Keep records of medical treatments and expenses.
• Notify Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider.
• Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice to protect your rights and explore options for compensation.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers in the United States are deemed alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL). Suppose a crash involves a driver with a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher, resulting in a fatality. In that case, it is categorized as an alcohol-impaired driving crash, and the fatalities are classified as alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.

In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving crashes represented 30% of all traffic-related deaths, claiming the lives of 11,654 individuals. There was a 14.3% increase in fatalities between 2019 and 2020.

Among various age groups, individuals aged 21-24 and 25-34 had the highest percentages of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020, with motorcycle riders experiencing the highest incidence.