[10-01-2023] San Diego County, CA – 33-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed After Multiple-Vehicle DUI Collision in Fallbrook

A 33-year-old motorcyclist was killed after a multiple-vehicle DUI collision in Fallbrook, San Diego County, on Sunday evening, October 1, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened after 10:00 p.m. in a neighborhood near Camp Pendleton.

CHP officers reported that the Harley-Davidson rider was traveling east on Alvarado Street when he struck the back of a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck near Morro Street and crashed into several parked cars.

The motorcyclist was brought to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity is still not disclosed until the family has been informed about the situation.

There were no initial reports of anyone else sustaining visible injuries. Authorities stated that alcohol or drugs contributed to the cause of the collision.

No further information was released as the investigation is ongoing.

Reliable DUI Accident Lawyers in Fallbrook, San Diego County

One simple rule can prevent DUI accidents: “Don’t drink and drive.”. Those who drink and drive can pay for their victims’ medical expenses. Medical bills and lost wages can make injury victims struggle to make ends meet.

Although DUI accidents are extremely hard to prevent, California law protects those injured due to these accidents.

Our experienced and dependable San Diego drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. As one of California’s most successful law firms, we have recovered more than $750 Million for clients.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Top 7 Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI in San Diego

Understanding that most prominent insurance companies will defend against drunk driving accident claims is essential. However, it’s highly important to remember that these companies are not on your side. Their main priority is protecting their financial interests and maximizing their profits rather than providing you and your family with fair compensation.

Insurance companies invest significant resources in training their representatives to safeguard their interests. If you’re involved in a significant DUI accident, you may receive a phone call or inquiry from the responsible driver’s insurance company. It’s essential to be cautious when dealing with these requests, even if the adjuster seems friendly. Remember, they are not looking out for your best interests and cannot provide reliable advice.

Our San Diego DUI victim attorneys have compiled the top five tips to help you navigate the insurance company after a drunk driving collision.

1. Stay Calm and Call the Authorities. Prioritize getting immediate medical attention immediately and contact the authorities to address any injuries you may have sustained.
2. Document and Gather Information: Take photographs of your injuries and any signs of negligence, and make detailed notes of what happened. Remember to collect information from any witnesses present during the crash.
3. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. It may surprise some, but insurance companies may sometimes try to shift part of the blame onto the victim in cases of DUI accidents. This strategy allows them to decrease their liability and save money. Therefore, it is essential for victims never to admit or accept any fault for a DUI accident, as the responsibility should lie solely with the drunk driver. Victims should avoid discussing fault with an insurance adjuster.
4. Do Not Make a Statement. After an accident, you are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company immediately. Insurance adjusters may call you several times to request a statement, but beware that they are seeking information to use against you during the claims process. It’s best to stay quiet to avoid having your words twisted or misunderstood. Instead, let the insurance company communicate with you through your lawyer.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. Insurers often attempt to avoid liability in DUI accident cases, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. Insurers may use different tactics depending on the circumstances, such as limiting the compensation offered to a victim whose liability is clear. One common strategy is to offer a low settlement quickly. It’s important not to settle for less than you deserve. Instead, let your DUI accident attorney handle the negotiations for a fair settlement.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. You should consult an attorney before signing anything from an insurance company without consulting an attorney. Often, insurers will ask injured victims to sign a full release of their medical records. Do not listen to their claim that a document is ‘standard procedure.’ They are looking for information to use to reduce your compensation. You may not be obligated to give them full access to your records. Your lawyer will make sure that your rights are protected.
7. Work Through Your DUI Accident Lawyer. There is no reason to go up against a big insurance company alone. There is a lot on the line in most DUI accident injury claims. Insurance companies will pour resources into finding ways to reduce your settlement. The best thing you can do to protect your rights and interests is to work with the insurance company exclusively through an experienced California DUI accident lawyer. You have the right to legal representation. Use it.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents cause 32 deaths daily, one every 45 minutes. Drunk driving caused 11,654 traffic deaths in 2020, an increase of 14% over 2019.

The California DUI Management Information System found that fatal accidents involving alcohol increased by 5.8% between 2016 and 2017. Drinking and driving pose a risk to everyone on the road, including the driver.

California lost 949 lives due to drunk driving in 2019. This is 2.4 per 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 per 100,000. Drunk driving was a factor in 28.1% of road fatalities in the US and 26.3% in California in 2014.