[08-28-2023] – Napa County, CA – Passenger Killed, Driver Arrested For Suspicion of DUI Single-Vehicle Crash in St. Helena

A passenger died after the vehicle they were occupying crashed and overturned at St. Helena, early Monday morning, August 28, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to an incident that occurred around 5:50 a.m. after a GMC Yukon veered off the road near State Route 128 and Lower Chiles Valley Road.

A preliminary investigation by officials revealed that the vehicle was headed eastbound but could not drive and maneuver properly, resulting in the overturning.

The passenger of the SUV was declared dead on the scene. In contrast, the 54-year-old driver, identified as Stephen P., was rushed to the hospital but will soon face legal charges for being under the suspicion of DUI.

The driver will face a $100,000 bail and is booked for the Napa County Jail once recovered and released from the hospital.

Award-Winning DUI Accident Lawyers in Napa County, CA

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

Our experienced California DUI Victim Lawyers provide free initial consultations where we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our most trusted Napa DUI Accident Victim Attorneys in Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to represent you in these court proceedings effectively, and we have 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.

7 Steps to Take After a DUI Accident

Another driver’s recklessness can cause severe damage and affect the lives of others permanently. Being a victim of a DUI-caused accident is a tragedy that could have been avoided by the other party being responsible. If you or someone you know is involved in such an accident, the following steps may be helpful.

1. Prioritize Yourself: Prioritize getting immediate medical attention and contact the authorities if you are directly involved in the accident.
2. Work With a California Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer: Work with an experienced DUI accident lawyer to help you navigate through the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
3. Do Not Admit or Accept Fault: Refrain from admitting or stating anything about the accident that can harm your case, as this may affect your ability to receive compensation.
4. Avoid Making Statements: Avoid making unnecessary statements about the incident without consulting an attorney. These statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
5. Do Not Settle: Avoid settling negotiations directly with the perpetrator, which could result in lower compensation. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of the damages before considering any settlement offers through a legal team.
6. Never Sign Without Consulting: Only sign documents with an attorney present or after consulting one to protect you and your rights to be exercised fully.
7. Discuss your vehicle accident with one of our reliable  California DUI lawyers. Please contact us at (888) 488-1391.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of any substance—including authorized prescription pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and marijuana—is unlawful and carries severe financial and legal repercussions. The accompanying costs for first-time offenders might be as high as $10,000; in California, an infraction is projected to cost around $13,500.

A 2021 study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows an average of 455 DUI arrests for every 100,000 drivers in 2019. Totaling 124121 arrests for that year alone. With 27,333 alcohol-related crashes and 2,998 drug-related crashes.

California’s Office of Traffic Safety is actively working with other partners to raise awareness about the risks associated with drugged driving to reduce injuries and deaths on the state’s roads.