A woman was killed and six others were injured after a DUI driver crashed into people and parked cars in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, early Saturday morning, April 8, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the fatal DUI crash occurred at about 12:45 a.m. along the Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard, west of downtown LA.
The 21-year-old drunk driver lost control of their vehicle after starting to turn onto PCH while traveling west on Sunset Blvd.
The driver struck three parked cars along the highway, sending two over a cliff, where one ended up on the sand while the other was in the water.
The vehicle fatally struck a 32-year-old woman and sent a 32-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy to the hospital and four other individuals in fair to moderate condition. One was in a serious state. No identities have been released yet.
The unidentified driver was detained for driving under the influence. The investigation into the crash continues.
Fatal DUI Accident Statistics
In 2019, 10,142 people were killed in the United States because of drunk driving. With a total of 949 deaths, the 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people in California that year were directly attributable to DUIs. The rate per 100,000 people in the US was 3.1 cases.
California has one of the highest rates of fatalities due to drunk driving, at 26.3%, compared to the national average of 28.1%.
Although a different study showed a decrease in fatalities and accidents due to drunk driving throughout the 1980s, thousands of impaired drivers continue to put themselves, other motorists, and law enforcement at risk.
A blood alcohol percentage of 0.08 or above is illegal in the state of California. Drunk drivers are a danger to pedestrians and other motorists because of their slowed reactions and impaired judgment.
What to Do After a DUI Accident
Call the police right away if you’re involved in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. Don’t make any assumptions; tell exactly what happened to the police and the insurance company. The victim’s possible subsequent attempts at making amends despite being innocent may be grounds for the insurance to reject the claim. Therefore, you shouldn’t act in that manner.
If you ask for it, the proper authorities must provide you with complete access to the report. A convenient online form is also included on this page. We can now look into your claim now that we have this information. At your no-cost initial consultation, you can expect our full attention and assistance.
DUI Accident Lawyers for Victims in Los Angeles
Victims of drunk drivers in California can seek compensation through the legal system. If you or someone you know has just been injured or lost a loved one and needs help filing an insurance claim, please get in contact with us.
During this free meeting, one of our attorneys will assess your case, outline the next stages, and discuss any factors that may influence the settlement offer.
Our trusted Los Angeles drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience advocating for accident victims, with 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.