[06-20-2024] Lake County, CA – One Person Killed, Two Others Injured Following Suspected Single-Vehicle DUI Collision near Middletown

One person was killed, and two others were injured following a suspected single-vehicle DUI collision near Middletown, Lake County, on Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Highway 29 north of Western Mine Road.

Authorities stated that an adult male driver of a 2003 Toyota Camry was driving at a high rate of speed on northbound Highway 29. For some reason, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree, resulting in major vehicle damage.

Upon the arrival of the officers, they found the driver and one of the two male adult passengers at the scene with major injuries. They were transported by helicopter to a hospital for immediate medical treatment. Meanwhile, the other male adult passenger, whose identity was not yet disclosed, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

All the victims were reportedly wearing their safety belts at the time of the crash. The cause of the incident is unclear, but CHP suspected that alcohol played a role in the collision.

Additional information on the incident has yet to be released by the authorities.

The investigation continues.

Contact Our Dedicated DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Lake County

Feelings such as fear, wrath, or suspicion following a DUI accident are normal. The negligent party is responsible for paying the damages sustained by the victim, including medical bills, missed wages, and other financial expenses. Getting compensated for a DUI accident in the area can be challenging, but our injury law firm in Lake County can help.

Get legal advice from our experts in DUI accidents, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Additionally, they can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Our dedicated Lake County DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. Being one of California’s largest law firms specializing in personal injury cases, Arash Law has successfully obtained over $750 million in client compensation.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim of A Lake County DUI Accident

Insurance providers support the majority of claims related to accidents caused by drunk driving. One of the critical things you should be aware of is that the insurance provider is always impartial. Please remember that their top priority is safeguarding their financial interests; they are focused on their earnings and not on providing complete and equitable compensation to you and your family.

Insurance firms invest significant money in training personnel to defend company interests. Following a major DUI collision, you can receive a phone call or inquiry from the insurance company of the driver at fault. Exercise caution while considering this kind of request. Regardless of their pleasant manner, an insurance adjuster is not on your side. They are not concerned about your best interests, and you cannot depend on them for guidance.

Our Lake County DUI accident victim attorneys have gathered the top seven suggestions for handling the insurance company following an injury in a drunk-driving crash.

1. Remain Composed and Contact the Authorities. Make it a priority to get prompt medical care and contact the appropriate authorities to handle any injuries you may have suffered.
2. Gather Information. Capture images of your injuries and any indications of negligence, and create thorough records of the incident. Make sure to get information from any witnesses who were there during the accident.
3. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. In DUI incidents, insurance companies frequently assign some blame to the injured victim. If they can do that, it will enable them to decrease their liability. This implies that funds are being deducted directly from their finances. Never acknowledge or take responsibility for any of the mistakes in a DUI accident. An intoxicated driver should be responsible for their wrongdoing. Furthermore, victims are advised against openly discussing the issue of fault with an insurance adjuster. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident.
4. Avoid Making a Statement. You are not required to provide a documented statement to the insurance company immediately following an accident. You may receive numerous phone calls from an insurance adjuster requesting a statement. The reason for this is straightforward: they want to gather information that might be used against you during the claims procedure. Remain silent. Your words might be manipulated or misunderstood. Communication between you and the insurance company will be arranged via your attorney.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. Regarding DUI accident lawsuits, insurers frequently find it challenging to dodge liability completely. Therefore, they change their strategies. Insurance companies restrict the compensation given to injured people when responsibility is evident. One typical strategy is to propose a fast, underestimated payment to the victim of the DUI accident. Don’t accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Allow your DUI accident victim attorney to handle negotiations for a settlement.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. It is advisable to seek legal advice before signing any documents from an insurance company. Insurance companies frequently request that wounded individuals sign a complete release of their medical records. Ignore their assertion that a paper is ‘standard procedure.’ They are seeking information to utilize to decrease your compensation. You might not have to provide them with complete access to your records. Your attorney will ensure that your rights are protected.
7. Work With Experienced DUI Accident Victim Lawyers. There is no need to confront a large insurance company by yourself. A significant amount is at stake in most DUI accident injury claims. Insurance businesses will allocate money to discover methods to decrease your settlement. To promptly protect your rights, it is advisable to cooperate only with the insurance company after engaging with skilled DUI accident victim lawyers in California. You are entitled to legal representation. Utilize it.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accidents Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents in the US result in the deaths of 32 individuals every day, which is equivalent to one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, intoxicated drivers were responsible for 11,654 fatalities in traffic accidents, marking a 14% rise compared to the previous year.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 5.8% increase in fatal road accidents connected to intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone on the road at significant risk. Each year, intoxicated drivers consume almost 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In California, 949 individuals lost their lives in 2019 as a result of driving under the influence. This is 2.4 out of every 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 out of every 100,000.