One person was killed, and six others, including two children, were injured after a suspected DUI two-vehicle rear-end crash in San Bernardino on early Sunday morning, May 28, 2023.
The San Bernardino CHP and San Bernardino Fire County Department received reports regarding a rear-end collision on northbound Interstate 215 just before the University Parkway exit at about 2:11 a.m.
According to reports, a silver Lexus ES 350 sustained significant front-end damage after rear-ending a flatbed truck containing plenty of pallets. The impact crushed the front of the car and caused the windshield to shatter and cave in. Additionally, the truck overturned due to the crash.
Three people were inside the truck, and four were inside the Lexus. Firefighters provided aid to all victims. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and a female driver had to be extricated.
Six people were taken to a nearby hospital, including a three-month-old child. Three people sustained major injuries, and the other three had minor injuries.
The deceased’s identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
At this time, alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Open containers were said to be found in the Lexus, but this is still being investigated.
Reputable Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyers in San Bernardino, CA
DUI injuries can leave victims frustrated, doubtful, and afraid. If you are injured in a car accident, the driver who caused the accident is legally liable. Medical expenses and lost wages could put the injured party in a difficult financial situation.
Despite the difficulty of preventing every accident, California law protects those injured in drunk driving accidents.
Our skilled San Bernardino drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., handle DUI accident cases with extensive knowledge and experience. Over $750 million in compensation has been recovered by our firm.
Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
What to Do After a DUI Accident?
DUI collisions can cause physical harm, emotional distress, and financial hardship. You must defend your rights, safety, and health in such an accident. Follow these steps to deal with its aftermath effectively:
- Check for injuries on your body and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Examine the condition of the other parties involved as well.
- Inform the authorities about the collision. Investigators will determine whether the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Obtain the name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information of the at-fault driver.
- It would help if you photographed the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and any injuries you or the other victims sustained.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide the necessary details.
- Organize a file containing all pertinent paperwork regarding the accident.
- If you contact one of our attorneys, we can help you with your DUI accident. Our attorneys will do everything possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Fatal DUI Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 37 people per day, or one every 39 minutes, are killed in drunk driving accidents in the United States. There were 11,654 traffic fatalities caused by drunk driving in 2020, a 14% increase from the previous year.
A California DUI Management Information System study found that fatal alcohol-related collisions increased by 5.8% between 2016 and 2017. Drivers who are intoxicated endanger themselves and other road users. Furthermore, DUI drivers waste two billion gallons of fuel annually, causing environmental damage.
In 2019, there were 10,142 drunk driving fatalities in the United States, with California accounting for 949. It results in a state rate of 2.4 per 100,000 residents, compared to 3.1 nationally. In 2014, drunk driving was responsible for 28.1% of traffic deaths in the United States and 26.3% of deaths in California.