[01-23-2023] San Bernardino County, CA – Restaurant in Twentynine Palms Struck by DUI Driver, Two Injured

Two people were injured, including a DUI driver, after their vehicle crashed into The Rib Co in Twentynine Palms, San Bernardino County, on Monday evening, January 23, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle collision occurred at about 5:30 p.m. at The Rib Co restaurant at 72183 Twentynine Palms Highway.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report and learned that the vehicle had crashed into the restaurant’s wall.

21-year-old local resident Jacob K. was driving the car with a single passenger when the crash happened. Responders found them still inside the car and were injured. They both received medical assistance on the spot. Luckily, no one in the restaurant was hurt.

The driver admitted to having four drinks or so before getting behind the wheel. After submitting to a breathalyzer test, it was discovered that his blood alcohol level was .16.

He was detained and lodged in the Morongo Basin Jail following his arrest for drunk driving, driving without a license, and driving without insurance.

DUI Accident Statistics

According to reports, in 2019, California had a total of 949 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities out of 10,142 recorded deaths across the country. That is a rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population (3.1 for the National rate). 26.3% of all recorded traffic-related deaths in the state involved drunk driving (28.1% in the whole country).

Another report stated that there had been a decline in both the number of people driving drunk and the number of people killed in accidents involving drunk drivers in the United States since the 1980s. In spite of this trend, millions of drunk drivers each year still operate motor vehicles dangerously.

Any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is considered illegal in the state of California. As they are less able to control their driving behaviors, drunk drivers are a danger to other motorists and pedestrians.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

If you or a family member have been harmed in a DUI car crash, it is imperative that you contact the police immediately. When talking to the police, don’t share your assumptions or ideas. Pay attention just to the facts. The victims of accidents, even when they are not at fault, may feel obligated to express regret. In the event that you make a claim, the insurance company could use this against you.

Inquire with the local police station where the crash happened about obtaining a copy of their investigation report. Please use the online form on our site if you like us to make a request on your behalf. We can start working on your claim as soon as we obtain this information. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free evaluation of your case’s potential.

DUI Accident Lawyers for Victims in San Bernardino County

Both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can be filed in California on behalf of victims of drunk drivers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’re in a legal bind and need advice on how to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Our trusted San Bernardino County drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.