[11-16-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – DUI Crash Kills Three in Upland; Driver Arrested

A man and two boys were killed in a fiery crash on the 210 Freeway in Upland early Saturday morning, November 16, 2024.

According to Officer Rodrigo Jimenez of the California Highway Patrol’s Rancho Cucamonga office, at around 2:19 a.m., a semi-truck traveling eastbound in the far-right lane of the 210 Freeway near Base Line Road was rear-ended by a car, believed to be a Ford Taurus, traveling at high speed.

The crash caused the car to catch fire, but the 35-year-old male driver managed to escape before the flames fully engulfed the vehicle. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, discovering a man in the front passenger seat and two boys in the back seat, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Authorities believe alcohol was a determining factor in the crash. He was transported to a hospital to be treated for major injuries.

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. The names of the deceased and the suspect have not yet been released.

No further details were immediately available.

Call Our Respected DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Upland, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious offense that remains prevalent throughout California. This reckless driving behavior often causes traffic accidents, endangering the lives of many. If you get injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, reach out to our personal injury law firm immediately. We will guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for your damages and losses.

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 respected Upland DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. With over $500 Million recovered in settlements and verdicts, our legal team has proven themselves capable of handling even the most complicated cases.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our 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 Upland, CA

Accidents leave victims shocked and confused about what to do. However, taking specific steps immediately following a DUI accident is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovering damages.

Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Upland highly recommend that you follow these steps:

1. Remain At The Accident Scene. You may move your car to the side of the road to avoid further incidents, but you should not think about leaving. California law requires all individuals involved in a traffic collision to stay, regardless of who’s at fault. Otherwise, you may face hit-and-run charges.
2. Obtain Prompt Medical Care. Call 911 if you or someone else sustains an injury. Receiving immediate medical attention on-site will help prevent complications. Moreover, this will allow you to document the physical damage you incurred, giving insurance companies no chance to downplay your claim.
3. Contact The Nearest Local Police Department. Responding officers will investigate the scene and conduct field sobriety tests. They will also draft an accident report, which can support your case later.
4. Collect Evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the sustained injuries, and the wrecked vehicles. Furthermore, write down essential information, such as the other parties’ names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance details. You may also request witnesses to provide testimonies.
5. Inform The Insurance Company. Provide them with the basic details about the incident. However, be cautious of what you share, as they may use your words to their advantage.
6. Consult Arash Law. Our Upland lawyers for DUI accident victims will explain your rights and guide you through the process of holding the intoxicated driver accountable. We will also negotiate with insurers, ensuring you get maximum compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, there were 11,654 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year. This marked a 14.3 percent increase in fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving, rising from 10,196 in 2019 to 11,654 in 2020.

On average, one fatality related to alcohol-impaired driving occurred every 45 minutes. The age groups of 21 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years had the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes, with each group representing 26 percent of such incidents in 2020.

The highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes was among motorcycle riders at 27%, followed by drivers of passenger cars at 23%, light trucks at 19%, and large trucks at 3%. Among the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21 percent (229 fatalities) occurred in crashes involving alcohol-impaired driving.

Additionally, 67 percent (7,831) of the 11,654 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities involved crashes where at least one driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.15 g/dL or higher. Notably, the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was 3.1 times higher at night compared to during the day in 2020.