[04-22-2023] Fresno County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Injured After DUI Accident on Ventura Street

One person was killed, and another was injured after a DUI accident in downtown Fresno late Saturday night, April 22, 2023.

According to Lt. Charlie Chamalbide of the Fresno Police Department, the black Chevrolet Camaro crashed into the Bitwise 41 building on R Street, just north of Ventura Street, around 11:40 p.m.

The 20-year-old passenger was declared dead at the scene. The 25-year-old driver was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where his condition is critical.

A witness reports that the car was traveling at high speed on Ventura when the driver lost control at the intersection and crashed into a wall at the Bitwise 41 building at 2721 Ventura Street. Detectives from the collision reconstruction unit responded at the scene.

According to Chamalbide, there were some signs that alcohol was a factor in the accident, as they discovered some beer cans inside the car. However, they still don’t know which occupant was under the influence.

Eminent DUI Accident Lawyers in Fresno

DUI-related accidents can cause fear, frustration, and skepticism. The driver who caused the collision is legally responsible for any injuries sustained after the collision. Loss of wages and medical expenses may cause severe financial hardship to the injured party.

Although it may be challenging to prevent all drunk driving accidents, California law protects those hurt in DUI accidents.

Our trustworthy Fresno DUI accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered over $750 million for California clients.

Call (888) 488-1391 to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys, or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

• A traumatic DUI accident can result in physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Protecting your health, safety, and legal rights is essential.
• This checklist will give you tips on handling the aftermath of a DUI accident.
• Seeking medical attention for yourself, including anyone hurt, should be your top priority.
• Inform the police about the collision. The authorities will investigate whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information should all be gathered at the accident scene.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and injuries sustained.
• Following an accident, you must inform your insurance provider and provide the necessary information.
• Contact our DUI accident attorneys. They’ll defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents claim the lives of approximately 32 people in the US daily, accounting for one fatality every 45 minutes. Drunk driving accounted for 11,654 traffic deaths in 2020, an increase of 14% from 2019.

A study conducted by the California DUI Management Information System revealed a 5.8% rise in alcohol-related collision fatalities from 2016 to 2017. There are serious risks associated with driving under the influence for drivers and other road users. It also harms the environment since drunk drivers waste around two billion gallons of fuel yearly.

In 2019, there were 10,142 drunk driving deaths in the US and 949 in California alone, resulting in a rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population in the state compared to the national rate of 3.1. In 2014, drunk driving caused 26.3% of all traffic deaths in California and 28.1% in the US. These statistics show alcohol consumption should be closely monitored, and excessive drinking should be avoided.