Two people were hospitalized following a suspected DUI collision involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Honda CR-V in Ridgecrest on Sunday evening, December 29, 2024.
The incident occurred around 6:48 p.m. at the intersection of China Lake Boulevard and Felspar Avenue.
According to Sgt. Nathan Lloyd with the Ridgecrest Police Department, the crash resulted in the Jeep spinning and knocking over a street light with its tail end.
Both drivers, the sole occupants of their respective vehicles, sustained injuries that appeared to be non-life-threatening and were transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Authorities are investigating the driver of the Jeep for suspicion of driving under the influence.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Call Our Skilled DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Ridgecrest, CA
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and illegal act that continues to threaten lives across California. This reckless behavior often results in severe traffic accidents, putting innocent lives at risk.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, contact Arash Law immediately. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your damages and losses. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our team specializes in DUI accident cases. We can evaluate your claim, assist with obtaining critical information, and help secure a police report if needed.
Our experienced Ridgecrest DUI accident victim lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your claim. With over $500 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, our proven track record demonstrates our ability to handle even the most complex cases effectively.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (888) 488-1391 or filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim of A DUI Accident In Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest highly recommend that you follow these steps:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Consult Arash Law. Our Ridgecrest 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.
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.