[09-15-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – Two-Vehicle DUI Collision Leaves One Dead, Another Injured On US-395 in Adelanto

A two-vehicle DUI collision left one person dead and another injured in Adelanto on Sunday night, September 15, 2024.

According to California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 10:50 p.m. on Highway 395 just south of Desert Flower Road.

A 54-year-old man from Hesperia, driving a 2003 Mini Cooper S, veered into the northbound lane and collided with a 2023 GMC Sierra driven by a 23-year-old male from Meridian, Idaho, traveling at 65 mph.

The Mini Cooper driver was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, while the GMC driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Global Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities are still investigating the incident, with alcohol or drugs suspected as contributing factors.

There is no additional information at this time.

Call Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Adelanto, CA

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 Adelanto 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 reputable Adelanto DUI accident victim attorneys will do everything necessary to advocate for your claim and protect your rights. Arash Law, one of California’s top injury law firms specializing in personal injury cases, has recovered more than $500 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 Adelanto, CA

If you have been the victim of a DUI accident, you must know how to protect yourself and your rights. Taking the appropriate steps, from ensuring your immediate safety to pursuing legal action, can have a big impact on the result 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 with 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

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents in the United States result in 32 deaths every day, or one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, drunk drivers caused 11,654 traffic fatalities, a 14% rise from 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 puts everyone on the road at risk. Every year, intoxicated drivers consume about 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In 2019, 949 people in California died as a result of impaired driving. This is 2.4 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 3.1 per 100,000. Adelanto, for example, had 13 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2023, according to the most current Transportation Injury Mapping System.