[08-28-2024] Fresno County, CA – Motorcyclist Killed After Collision Involving Suspected DUI Driver in Clovis

A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Clovis on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2024.

According to the Clovis Police Department, the crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. near Barstow and Sunnyside Avenues.

Authorities stated that the motorcycle was traveling westbound on Barstow Avenue when a red SUV pulled out in front of it, leading to a fatal collision. The SUV’s driver, a woman, was detained on suspicion of DUI.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

There is no additional information immediately available.

Call The Skilled DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in Clovis, Fresno County

Experiencing emotions like fear, anger, or uncertainty after a DUI accident is completely normal. The at-fault party should be held accountable for covering the damages you’ve suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. While seeking compensation for a DUI accident can be challenging, our dedicated injury law firm in Fresno County is here to guide you every step of the way.

Get legal advice from our expert Fresno DUI accident victim attorneys, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Our passionate personal injury lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. Being one of the largest law firms specializing in personal injury cases in California, Arash Law has successfully obtained over $500 Million in compensation for clients.

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 DUI Accident

Insurance providers handle most claims related to accidents caused by drunk driving, but it’s essential to understand that their primary concern is protecting their financial interests, not ensuring fair compensation for you and your family.

Insurance companies invest heavily in training their staff to safeguard the company’s bottom line. After a serious DUI collision, you may receive a call or inquiry from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Be cautious when responding to these requests. No matter how friendly they may seem, an insurance adjuster is not acting in your best interests and cannot be relied upon for guidance.

Our Fresno County DUI accident victim attorneys have compiled the top seven tips for dealing with insurance companies after a drunk-driving accident.

1. Remain Composed and Contact The Authorities. Make it a priority to get prompt medical care and reach out to 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 right away 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. Arrange for communication between you and the insurance company to be conducted 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. When responsibility is evident, insurance companies restrict the amount of compensation given to an injured person. 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. Frequently, insurance companies will 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. Fresno County has reported 3,614 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2023, based on data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).