[10-14-2023] Los Angeles County, CA – Vehicle Caught Fire After Multi-Vehicle DUI Collision in Porter Ranch

A vehicle caught fire after a DUI multi-vehicle collision in Porter Ranch, Los Angeles, late Saturday night, October 14, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Fire Department, the collision occurred at 11:30 p.m. on the eastbound 118 Freeway Reseda off-ramp.

A blacked-out vehicle caught fire in the first lane of the freeway after colliding with another vehicle, which was found on the right shoulder. A Lyft driver with a passenger reportedly hit a tire in the roadway from the impact.

The occupants sustained no visible injuries, but the suspected DUI driver fled on foot. Officers found him, performed a field sobriety test, and took him into custody.

The authorities have not released further information about the collision.

Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles County

Victims or family members who suffer injuries or death as a result of the negligence of a motor vehicle driver may be entitled to monetary compensation. A personal injury attorney’s assistance can be invaluable when investigating car accidents resulting in unintentional injuries.

Our team of attorneys will be able to provide you with a summary of your case along with an estimate of how much it may be worth, as well as an explanation of how the insurance claims procedure works during your free consultation.

Pursue legal advice from our qualified Los Angeles 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.
• 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.
• 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

DUI Accident Statistics

It is possible to suffer serious financial and legal consequences if you drive under the influence of prescription drugs, alcohol, illicit drugs, or marijuana. First-time offenders in California are estimated to pay almost $13,500 for an infraction.

Approximately 455 DUI arrests are expected per 100,000 drivers in 2019, according to California Department of Motor Vehicles data collected in 2021. In that year alone, 124,121 arrests were reported. An estimated 27,333 accidents are caused by alcohol, whereas drugs cause 2,998.

According to the 2020 OTS ranking of the California Office of Traffic and Safety, Los Angeles had 2,282 alcohol-involved fatalities and injuries and 4,180 DUI arrests. With an average population of 3,853,323 in the same year, 26,132 were victims of different accidents.