[09-30-2024] Tulare County, CA – 1-Month-Old Baby Killed After Head-On DUI Crash on Highway 198

A 1-month-old baby girl died after a head-on DUI crash in Tulare County on Monday afternoon, September 30, 2024.

According to California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just before 2:00 p.m. on Highway 198 at Horse Creek Road.

Investigators say 24-year-old Johnathon R. of Visalia was driving a Kia Optima westbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle, entering the opposite lane and colliding head-on with an oncoming Freightliner truck.

The driver, together with 25-year-old Jessie G., and the infant were transported to Kaweah Health Medical Center, where the baby was pronounced dead. Both adults sustained major injuries.

Authorities determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him. CHP confirmed that all involved were wearing seatbelts or were in child restraint seats at the time of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

Call Our Trusted DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Tulare County

Feelings such as fear, wrath, or suspicion following a DUI accident are normal. The negligent party is responsible for paying the damages sustained by the victim, including medical bills, missed wages, and other financial expenses. Getting compensated for a DUI accident can be challenging, but our personal injury law firm can help.

Get legal advice from our experts in DUI accidents, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Additionally, they can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Our reliable Tulare County DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. Being one of California’s largest law firms specializing in personal injury cases, Arash Law has successfully obtained over $500 million in compensation for clients.

If you were injured in such an accident involving a hit-and-run, you can also rely on our hit-and-run accident attorneys. Our lawyers will help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

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 Being a Victim of a DUI Accident in Tulare County

Insurance companies invest heavily in training their staff to safeguard their bottom line. After a serious DUI accident, you may receive a call or inquiry from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Be cautious when responding. No matter how friendly the insurance adjuster may seem, they are not on your side. Their goal is not to look out for your best interests, so you should not rely on them for advice.

Our Tulare County DUI accident attorneys have compiled seven key tips to help you manage the insurance process after being injured in a drunk driving crash:

1. Stay Calm and Contact the Authorities. Seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to the authorities to address any injuries and document the incident.
2. Gather Information. Take photos of your injuries and any evidence of negligence. Keep detailed records of the accident and obtain contact information from any witnesses.
3. Never Admit Fault. Insurance companies often try to shift some of the blame onto the injured party. If they succeed, it reduces their liability. Never admit fault in a DUI accident. The intoxicated driver should be held accountable. Avoid discussing fault with an insurance adjuster, as this is a common mistake people make after an accident.
4. Avoid Giving a Statement. You are not required to provide a statement to the insurance company immediately after the accident. Insurance adjusters often ask for one to use your words against you later in the claims process. Stay silent. Any statement you give could be misinterpreted or used to weaken your case. Let your attorney handle communications with the insurance company.
5. Don’t Rush to Settle. In DUI accident cases, insurers often can’t escape liability, so they try to minimize the payout. One tactic is to offer a quick, lowball settlement. Don’t accept less than you deserve. Let your attorney handle settlement negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
6. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice. Before signing any documents from an insurance company, consult an attorney. Insurance companies often ask accident victims to sign a release of their medical records. Be wary of their claim that this is ‘standard procedure.’ They may use the information to reduce your compensation. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected.
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

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents in the US result in the deaths of 32 individuals every day, which is equivalent to one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, intoxicated drivers were responsible for 11,654 fatalities in traffic accidents, marking a 14% rise compared to the previous year.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 5.8% increase in fatal road accidents connected to intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone on the road at significant risk. Each year, intoxicated drivers consume almost 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In California, 949 individuals lost their lives in 2019 as a result of driving under the influence. This is 2.4 out of every 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 out of every 100,000. In 2023, Tulare County recorded 448 alcohol-related and 66 drug-related deaths and injuries, according to the latest data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).