[08-04-2025] Madera County, CA – Three People Injured in Violent DUI Crash at Avenue 18 1/2 and Road 19 1/2

Three people were injured, including one seriously, after a violent crash in Madera County on Monday, August 4, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Avenue 18 1/2 and Road 19 1/2.

A 56-year-old man from Gonzalez, driving a RAM 2500, attempted to pass a big rig by crossing over double yellow lines. He entered the intersection at a high rate of speed and collided with the left side of a 2010 GMC Yukon driven by a 67-year-old man from Madera.

The impact caused the RAM to veer off-course, striking a stop sign and power pole before overturning and coming to rest against a house. The GMC traveled off-course as well, hitting a tree and fencing before landing in an irrigation canal.

The driver of the GMC had to be extricated using the jaws of life and was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries. The passenger in the GMC sustained minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital.

The driver of the RAM was arrested on suspicion of DUI after officers determined he was under the influence of alcohol. He sustained minor injuries and was booked at Madera County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Madera County, CA

DUI accidents often result in severe injuries, emotional distress, and legal complexities for those involved. When a crash causes significant harm to others, it is important to understand your legal rights and how to navigate the aftermath, especially when the responsible driver is under the influence of alcohol.

Our DUI accident lawyers in Madera County can help you explore your legal options following a crash. Legal support may include reviewing the accident report, assisting with insurance claims, and helping you seek compensation for medical bills and other damages. Every case is unique, but early legal advice can offer clarity during a difficult time.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI Accident In Madera County, CA

A DUI accident can leave victims with serious injuries and the burden of understanding their legal options. If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI crash, the following steps may help protect your rights and support your recovery.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Always report the crash to emergency services. Immediate medical care is essential, especially when injuries are serious or involve unconsciousness. Ensure that all victims are assessed for injury.
2. Document The Scene And Injuries
   If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicles involved, and visible injuries. These photographs can be valuable in supporting any legal claims you pursue.
3. Gather Contact Information From Witnesses
   If there were any witnesses to the crash, be sure to collect their names and contact details. Their statements can help clarify what happened and strengthen your case.
4. Consult With DUI Accident Attorneys
   If you’ve been involved in a DUI crash, consulting with an experienced DUI accident attorney is essential to understanding your legal options. A lawyer can assist in reviewing the circumstances of the crash, gathering evidence, and guiding you through the claims process.
   Additionally, if speeding was a factor in the accident, consulting with attorneys who specialize in speeding-related accidents can be helpful. If the crash involved elderly drivers, you may also benefit from speaking with an elderly driving accident lawyer to address the specific legal issues associated with these cases.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2020, crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers led to 11,654 deaths across the United States. This means nearly one out of every three traffic-related deaths that year was linked to alcohol use. Compared to 2019, the number of fatalities rose by over 14 percent. On average, 32 people die in alcohol-related crashes each day, or about one person every 45 minutes.

The economic impact of these deaths is also severe. In 2020 alone, the estimated cost of lives lost due to alcohol-impaired driving was approximately $123.3 billion. This figure includes medical bills and the projected economic value of those lives.

Data on drug-impaired driving is more limited, but studies provide valuable insight. One report looked at 4,243 seriously injured drivers treated at trauma centers between September 2019 and July 2021. More than half tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs. The substances most commonly detected were alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives.

These statistics show a strong link between impaired driving and serious or fatal accidents. Promoting awareness and prevention efforts is essential to improving roadway safety for everyone.