[09-09-2024] Santa Cruz County, CA – DUI Hit-And-Run Crash Leads to Injury in State Park Drive

A two-vehicle DUI hit-and-run crash that resulted in minor injuries occurred in Santa Cruz County on Monday evening, September 9, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened at the State Park Drive off-ramp from northbound Highway 1.

The driver responsible fled the scene but later crashed into a tree and was arrested for felony DUI and hit-and-run causing injury.

There is no additional information at this time.

Contact Our Respected DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Santa Cruz County

Fear, rage, or suspicion are all common reactions to a DUI accident. The negligent person is accountable for compensating the damages sustained by the victim, which include medical costs, missed wages, and other financial obligations. Obtaining compensation for a DUI accident can be difficult, but our injury law firm in Santa Cruz County can assist.

Get legal advice from our experts in DUI accidents, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Furthermore, they can help you if acquiring additional information or a police report is difficult.

Our respected Santa Cruz County DUI accident victim attorneys will do everything necessary to advocate for your claim and protect your rights. Arash Law, one of California’s top law companies specializing in personal injury firms, has recovered more than $750 million for clients.

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

Ways To Protect Yourself After A DUI Accident In Santa Cruz County

If you have been a victim of a DUI accident, knowing how to protect yourself and your rights is crucial. From ensuring your immediate safety to pursuing legal action, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this challenging situation effectively:

1. Stay Calm and Contact Authorities: Ensure your safety first and call the police to report the accident.
2. Gather Information: Collect details about the accident, including witness contact information, vehicle descriptions, and insurance details.
3. Never Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
4. Avoid Giving a Statement: Refrain from providing detailed statements to insurance companies or other parties until you have legal advice.
5. Don’t Rush to Settle: In DUI accident situations, insurance frequently can’t avoid liability, so they try to reduce the payment. One of their tactics is to propose a quick, low-ball settlement. Don’t accept less than you deserve. Allow your attorney to manage settlement negotiations to ensure you are fairly compensated.
6. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: Consult a personal injury attorney before signing any accident-related or insurance claim documents.
7. Work With Experienced DUI Accident Attorneys: Facing a large insurance company alone is unnecessary. Most DUI accident claims involve significant stakes, and insurers will spend resources to minimize your settlement. To protect your rights, only communicate with the insurance company after consulting with experienced DUI accident attorneys in California.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accidents Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drunk driving accidents cause 32 deaths every day in the United States, or one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, intoxicated drivers caused 11,654 traffic fatalities, a 14% increase over the previous year.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 5.8% rise in fatal road accidents involving intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol endangers everyone on the road. Every year, intoxicated drivers consume about 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In 2019, 949 people in California died as a result of driving under the influence. This is 2.4 per 100,000 persons, compared to the national rate of 3.1 per 100,000. Santa Cruz County, for example, had 209 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2023, according to the most current Transportation Injury Mapping System.