[06-11-2022] San Joaquin County, CA – Community Assistant Fire Chief Killed in Fatal DUI Crash on Jack Tone Road

Authorities say an assistant fire chief with the Collegeville Fire District in San Joaquin County was killed in a high-speed suspected DUI crash killed on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Jack Tone Road, north of Mariposa Road.

Kurt P. was the victim identified who died in the head-on collision.

Several witnesses told CHP that the suspected DUI driver from Ripon was speeding over 100 mph and crossing double yellow lines while passing multiple vehicles.

According to CHP, the 20-year-old collided head-on with Pettitt’s vehicle.

Pettitt, his passenger, and their two dogs were all thrown out of the car. According to authorities, Pettitt was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

The passenger was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

According to the CHP, the 20-year-old driver was arrested.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

More than 10,000 people are killed by drunk driving each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the United States, a drunk driver kills someone every 52 minutes. In 2019, more than a million people were arrested for drunk driving in the United States, and more than 10,000 people lost their lives as a result. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving is responsible for one-third of all traffic fatalities.

It is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs in California. Unfortunately, people continue to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.

More than 100,000 Californians were arrested in 2017 on suspicion of driving under the influence. During that year, there were 26,967 injuries and 1,294 deaths due to alcohol-related collisions.

Intoxicated drivers’ reaction times and judgment are impaired, so their accidents tend to be more serious than those involving other drivers.

San Joaquin County DUI Accident Lawyer for Victims

Anyone who has lost a loved one knows how heartbreaking it can be when someone else’s negligence causes the death. A loved one’s death at the hands of an intoxicated driver can be especially upsetting.

It can be difficult to know where to turn for help after a DUI accident. However, if the driver has already been arrested, how can you collect the compensation you need to recover from your injuries?

There is a significant financial burden that victims of drunk driving accidents must bear, in addition to the high cost of medical care and other related expenses. It is very common for victims of drunk-driving collisions to experience severe pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

If you sue the person responsible for the accident, you may be able to recover some or all of these expenses. Our San Joaquin County DUI accident victims lawyers at Arash Law are here to help you learn about your legal options and the best way to pursue a claim.

You can call us at (888) 488-1391 if you have any questions about filing a wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal DUI accident.