A 60-year-old driver from Encinitas was killed after being rear-ended by a drunk teen trying to escape the authorities in Escondido on Friday evening, June 16, 2023.
According to the Escondido Police Department, the incident occurred on Via Rancho Parkway near Lomas Serenas Drive at around 10:45 p.m.
Police were responding to a complaint north of Kit Carson Park when a white Dodge Charger, driven by a 17-year-old teen, nearly collided with them. The Dodge was seen again speeding down Via Rancho Parkway toward Interstate 15, where it ran a red light and sped up to over 100 mph moments before rear-ending the victim.
The victim was extricated from his vehicle and rushed to the hospital but did not survive. No further details were released on their identity.
The teen fled the scene before getting arrested and sent to the hospital with minor injuries. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence and felony evading police.
Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers Specializing in Hit-and-Run Accidents in Fresno County
Those injured in DUI accidents and their families can seek compensation by suing the liable driver. Often, these victims face numerous challenges, including lost income, medical bills, and other hardships.
You should immediately contact a California hit-and-run lawyer if you or a loved one have suffered critical injuries or death due to someone else’s negligence. We will evaluate your case during our free initial consultation, outline the next steps, and analyze any factors that may affect your settlement offer.
You can rely on our most trusted Fresno County DUI accident victim lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accidents at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 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
Losing a loved one in a DUI accident can be incredibly traumatic and heartbreaking. Victims’ rights must be protected, and their memory must be honored after an incident like this. The following guide will provide valuable information regarding what to do following a DUI accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention: If you or anyone else involved in the accident has sustained injuries, prioritize seeking medical help. Your well-being should be the top priority.
- Contact law enforcement: Report the accident to the police and provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident. This will help create an official record of the event.
- Document the scene: If possible, gather evidence from the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, their positions, visible damage, and the surrounding area. This documentation can later be valuable for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Gather information: Obtain the contact details of all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance information. This information will be crucial for insurance purposes and potential legal action.
- Report the incident to your insurance company: Immediately notify your insurance provider about the accident. Provide them with accurate details and cooperate fully with their investigation.
- Preserve evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, photographs, police reports, and repair estimates. This evidence may be necessary to support your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Consult with an attorney: Consider seeking legal advice from an experienced California DUI lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents. They can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and assist in seeking compensation if applicable.
- Support networks: Reach out to family members, friends, or support groups to help cope with the emotional aftermath of the accident. It’s essential to seek consent during this difficult time.
Fatal DUI Accident Statistics
Drunk or drugged driving carries substantial legal and financial repercussions, including prescription medications and illegal substances. It is estimated that the overall cost of such crimes in California will be around $13,500 for first-time offenders.
The percentage of drivers involved in fatal accidents who test positive for drugs steadily rises yearly, reaching 42% in 2018. The Office of Traffic Safety and various stakeholders are actively working together to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving.
Ultimately, we aim to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by this dangerous behavior on California’s roadways.