Six people with disabilities were hospitalized after a DUI two-vehicle head-on collision in San Juan Bautista on Wednesday afternoon, August 30, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Highway 129 near School Road just past 1:00 p.m.
The suspected drunk driver was reported to have been heading east on the highway in a van, where he weaved in and out of the lane. Another van was traveling west on the highway at around 50 miles per hour. The DUI driver then struck the westbound van head-on.
One of the six handicapped victims, the right-side front passenger, suffered major injuries, while the five others sustained moderate injuries.
No further information was released regarding the cause of the crash or the identities of the people involved, pending an investigation.
Dedicated DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in San Juan Bautista, CA
When a drunk driver causes a collision, you can sue them for damages. The victims of such crimes often face financial hardships, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and other expenses.
DUI accident victims will receive the support and assistance they need from our experienced legal team. If a driver chooses to drive under the influence, they should be held accountable. Intoxicated drivers put other people’s safety at risk.
You can rely on our most trusted San Benito County DUI accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings. Our firm has recovered over $750 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its commitment and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.
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.
5 Critical Actions to Take After DUI Accident
Physical and psychological injuries can result from DUI accidents. How can you protect your rights and ensure your safety after the incident? The following steps should be taken after a DUI collision:
- Do Not Admit or Accept the Blame: It’s important to avoid accepting or admitting fault for the accident, as this could harm your case and affect your ability to receive compensation for damages.
- Do Not Make a Statement: Avoid making any statements about the incident without consulting with an attorney, as these statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
- Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations: Avoid settling too early, as this could result in a lower compensation amount. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of your damages before considering any settlement offers.
- Protect Your Rights: Sign Documents only after consulting with an attorney to protect your rights before signing any documents.
- Work Through Your California drunk driving accident victim lawyer: Work with an experienced DUI accident lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and represent you in court if necessary.
DUI Accident Statistics
The crime of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe legal and financial consequences, regardless of whether the drugs are prescription medications, illegal drugs, or marijuana. For first-time offenders, the associated costs can reach up to $10,000; in California, an offense is estimated to cost approximately $13,500.
According to the Office of Traffic Safety, disturbingly, in 2018, 42% of drivers involved in fatal accidents tested positive for drugs, and this percentage continues to rise each year.
California’s Office of Traffic Safety and various stakeholders are actively working to raise awareness of the dangers of drugged driving to reduce injury and fatalities.