[09-30-2023] Los Angeles County, CA – Twelve-Year-Old Passenger Died After Single-Vehicle DUI Crash in Pomona

A 12-year-old boy was killed in a single-vehicle DUI accident in Pomona early morning on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after midnight on the 57 Freeway.

The traffic collision involved a red vehicle that flew off the 57 Freeway and landed in a dirt area near Temple Avenue. Authorities reported that the 12-year-old and his father were returning from a concert celebrating the boy’s upcoming birthday when the driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a barrier off an on-ramp.

It is uncertain in which direction the vehicle was traveling when it crashed.

The victims were immediately transported to Pomona Valley Hospital for medical attention. It was determined that the passenger was in critical condition and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The child’s father was detained on suspicion of driving under the influence.  The CHP requested that the damaged vehicle be towed as evidence.

Renowned DUI Accident Lawyers in Pomona, CA

After a DUI accident, it is normal to experience out-of-control emotions such as dread, anger, and mistrust. The negligent party is liable for paying the victim’s medical expenditures, lost wages, and other financial expenses.

Consult with our renowned Pomona DUI accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will fight tirelessly for your claim and safeguard your rights. Our firm, one of the largest in California, has recovered more than $750 Million for clients.

Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the”Do I Have a Case?”  form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI

Large insurance firms defend the majority of inebriated driving accident claims. The insurance company is never on your side, which is one of the most important things you need to know. Please remember that an insurance company’s top priority is safeguarding its financial interests; they are more concerned with their profits and bottom line than providing you and your family with complete and fair compensation.

Insurance companies invest substantial money in training their representatives to safeguard company interests. After a serious DUI accident, you may receive a phone call or inquiry from the insurance company of the culpable driver. Be very cautious when accepting this form of request. No matter how pleasant an insurance adjuster may sound, they are against you. They do not have your best interests in mind, so you cannot rely on their advice. Our Pomona DUI victim attorneys have compiled our ways recommendations for dealing with the insurance company following a collision caused by drunk driving: 

1. Stay Calm and Call the Authorities.  Prioritize receiving urgent medical care and calling the authorities to report any injuries you may have sustained.
2. Document and Gather Information. Take photographs of your injuries and any indications of negligence, and make a written record of what transpired. Remember to gather information from any witnesses to the accident.
3. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. Even in DUI-related accidents, insurance companies frequently place some responsibility on the injured party. If they can do so, they can reduce their liability. This means that they are paying out of their pocket. Never assume any responsibility for a DUI accident. An intoxicated motorist should be held accountable for their actions. A victim should not explicitly discuss fault with an insurance adjuster.
4. Do Not Make a Statement. You are not required to provide an insurance company with a recorded statement immediately following an accident. Numerous contacts from an insurance adjuster requesting a statement are probable. Why does the company require one so urgently? The answer is straightforward: they seek information to use against you during the claims procedure. Keep silent. Your statements are susceptible to misinterpretation. Make the insurance company communicate with you via your attorney.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. In DUI accident cases, insurers frequently struggle to avoid all liability. As a result, they modify their tactics. In plain and obvious liability cases, insurers limit the amount of a victim’s settlement. A common tactic is to offer the DUI accident victim a fast, lowball settlement. Do not settle for less than what you are owed. Your DUI accident attorney should manage settlement negotiations.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. You should not sign anything from an insurance company without consulting an attorney. Typically, insurers require injured parties to approve a release of all medical records. Do not believe their claim that a document standard procedure.’ They seek information that can be used to reduce your compensation. You may not be required to provide them complete access to your records. Your attorney will ensure the protection of your rights.
7. Work Through Your DUI Accident Lawyer. There is no reason to take on a large insurance company on your own. There is much at stake in the majority of DUI accident injury claims. Insurance companies will devote significant resources to reducing your settlement. The best way to safeguard your rights and interests is to work exclusively with an experienced California DUI accident attorney with the insurance company. You have the right to representation by an attorney. Utilize it.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In the US, drunk driving accidents cause the deaths of 32 people daily, or one every 45 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2020, drunk drivers caused 11,654 traffic deaths, an increase of 14% from the previous year.

Between 2016 and 2017, there were 5.8% more fatal alcohol-related traffic accidents. Intoxicated drivers put everyone on the road at risk. Every year, drunk drivers waste approximately 2 billion gallons of fuel.

In California, 949 people died in 2019 due to drunk driving. This is 2.4 per 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 per 100,000. In 2020, Pomona recorded 259 DUI arrests based on data from the California Office of Traffic Safety.