[09-13-2024] Santa Clara County, CA – 18-Year-Old Woman Killed After Single-Vehicle DUI Crash in San Jose

An 18-year-old woman died after a single-vehicle DUI crash in San Jose on Friday night, September 13, 2024.

According to the San Jose Police Department, the incident occurred in the 14900 block of Camden Avenue.

Authorities reported that a 2006 white Ford pickup truck, driven by a man with two male passengers and the teen in the front passenger seat, was performing donuts in the parking lot when she fell out and was struck by the truck. The driver rushed the woman to a local hospital, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police confirmed that alcohol was involved. The driver was arrested and booked for vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

There is no additional information at this time.

Speak With Our Reputable DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In San Jose, CA

Following a DUI accident, common emotions include fear, rage, or suspicion. The negligent person is responsible for compensating the victim’s damages, which include medical expenses, missed wages, and other financial obligations. Obtaining compensation for a DUI accident can be difficult, but our injury law firm in San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose, CA

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 Accident 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. San Jose, for example, had 549 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2023, according to the most current Transportation Injury Mapping System.