[09-30-2023] San Diego County, CA – Escondido DUI Driver Arrested, One Died After Vehicle Collision Near Palomar Mountain

A man from Escondido named Jean R., was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a passenger died in a vehicle crash in San Diego County  early Saturday morning, September 30, 2023.

California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on South Grade Road north of State Route 76 near the Palomar Mountain area

The collision began when a black Subaru drove down in the southbound lane. The driver slid off the highway, down a steep hill, and hit a tree.

The female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. A felony DUI and homicide charge was later filed against him.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact the authorities.

Experienced DUI Accident Lawyers in San Diego County

The victim or a family member of a negligent driver may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries or deaths. When it comes to investigating car accidents that result in unintentional injuries, a personal injury attorney can be of great assistance.

Our legal team can review your case’s details, discuss your settlement, and clarify the insurance claims procedure during your free consultation so that you are prepared to handle the legal process.

Pursue legal advice from our dedicated San Diego County DUI accident attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have the recognition and experience to represent victims. Throughout California, we have recovered over $750 Million in compensation for our clients, which demonstrates the commitment we have shown to justice as well as financial compensation for our clients.

Contact us or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Top 5 Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a DUI accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights.

When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down if the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a DUI accident:

• Don’t Agree or Accept Responsibility. Insurance companies often try to shift some blame onto the injured victim after DUI accidents. By doing so, they reduce their liability. This means money comes directly from them. If you have been in a DUI accident, never admit fault. Drunk drivers should be held responsible for their actions. Direct conversations with insurance adjusters about faults are not recommended.
• Avoid Making a Statement. After an accident, you don’t have to give the insurance company a recorded statement. An insurance adjuster will call many times, asking for your statement. This is because they seek information against you in the claims process. Ensure you communicate with the insurance company through your lawyer so that your words are not misinterpreted or twisted.
• Avoid Opening Settlement Discussions. Insurance companies have a hard time avoiding liability in DUI accidents. That’s why they changed their strategy. It is common for insurers to limit the amount of a settlement for an injured victim in cases in which liability is clearly evident. The most common tactic used to compensate victims of DUI accidents is to offer a quick, lowball settlement to the victims. Ensure that you do not settle your claim for less than what you are owed. Ensure that your DUI accident attorney handles the settlement negotiations on your behalf.
• Avoid Signing Any Documents. A lawyer should be consulted before signing any documents from an insurance company. Insurance companies often require injured victims to sign a release of their medical records. Do not believe them when they claim a particular document is standard procedure. They are simply seeking information to reduce your compensation. You may not be required to give them full access to your records. By hiring a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected.
• Consult a DUI Accident Lawyer. There is no reason why you should compete with a large insurance company on your own. DUI accident injury claims involve a great deal of risk. Insurers will spend considerable resources to reduce your settlement. A California DUI accident lawyer can best protect your rights and interests by dealing with the insurance company exclusively.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of any substance, including prescription drugs, alcohol, illicit drugs, or marijuana, carries serious financial and legal consequences. In California, the cost of an infraction is estimated to be almost $13,500 for first-time offenders.

Based on a study conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in 2021, there will be an average of 455 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers in 2019. It was estimated that there were 124,121 arrests in that year alone. The number of accidents due to alcohol is estimated at 27,333, while the number of accidents caused by drugs is estimated at 2,998.

According to the 2020 OTS ranking of the California Office of Traffic and Safety, San Diego County had 2,262 alcohol-involved fatalities and injuries. With an average population of 3,288,503 in the same year, 15,043 were victims of different accidents.