[10-09-2023] Monterey County, CA – Driver Died, Another Injured Following Two-Vehicle DUI Crash Near Castroville

A woman died, and the other was injured after a two-vehicle DUI collision near Castroville, Monterey County, on Monday morning, October 9, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the head-on collision occurred on Highway 1 and Highway 183.

The collision began when a 23-year-old Mazda driver, Tessa K., entered oncoming traffic while driving south and struck a Subaru occupied by a 39-year-old Watsonville woman.

It was reported that the Subaru driver died while the other driver was transported to Natividad Hospital due to unknown injuries sustained. She was later arrested on DUI charges.

The authorities have not released further details about the collision at this time.

Top DUI Accident Lawyers in Monterey County

When a negligent driver on the road causes an injury or a death to a victim or a family member, these victims may have a right to monetary compensation for their injuries or deaths. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can prove to be of tremendous help when it comes to investigating car accidents that result in unintentional injuries.

During your free consultation with our legal team, we can provide you with an overview of your case, discuss a settlement, and clarify the insurance claims procedure so that you know what to expect in the future.

Seek legal advice from our qualified Monterey County DUI accident attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who have the recognition and experience to represent victims. Throughout California, we have recovered over $750 Million in compensation for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to justice and 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. 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 that you communicate with the insurance company through your lawyer so that your words are not misinterpreted or twisted.
  1. 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. Do not settle your claim for less than what you are entitled to. If you are involved in a DUI accident, ensure your attorney handles the settlement negotiations.
  2. 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

You can face serious financial and legal consequences if you drive under the influence of prescription drugs, alcohol, illicit drugs, or marijuana. For first-time offenders in California, an infraction is estimated to cost almost $13,500.

An analysis conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in 2021 found that there will be an average of 455 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers in 2019. During that year alone, 124,121 arrests were reported. In total, 27333 accidents are related to alcohol, while 2,998 are related to drugs.

According to the 2020 OTS ranking of the California Office of Traffic and Safety, Monterey County had 329 alcohol-involved fatalities and injuries but no DUI arrests. With an average population of 435,721 in the same year, 1,988 were victims of different accidents.