[10-07-2023] Riverside County, CA – One Killed, Another Injured After Two-Vehicle Collision Involving DUI in Palm Desert

A person was killed, and another was injured following a two-vehicle crash involving a DUI along I-10 in Palm Desert on early Saturday morning, October 7, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the reports of the initial crash around 1:30 a.m. along eastbound I-10, west of Washington Street.

The first accident on the eastbound highway involved a silver Toyota Camry that crashed in the 1st lane, with the driver able to exit the vehicle safely.

Shortly after the initial incident, a Buick Cutlass driving in the same lane collided with the stalled Toyota. Emergency responders on site declared the Buick driver dead on the scene.

Another person was reported to have suffered moderate injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but it is unclear if the passenger was from the first or second vehicle.

Authorities confirmed the driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured and was later arrested for DUI.

Further investigations into both collisions are underway and are being managed by the CHP.

Award-Winning DUI Accident Lawyers in Palm Desert, CA

It is ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

Our experienced California DUI accident victim lawyers, specializing in hit-and-run, provide free initial consultations where we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can seek advice from our most trusted Palm Desert drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We have recovered more than $750 Million for clients and are widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?

Collisions caused by drunk drivers frequently result in physical harm, psychological, and financial issues. After the accident, you must exercise extra caution to protect yourself and your loved ones. This checklist will help you handle its aftermath:

1. Prioritize your safety: Check yourself for injuries and the condition of the other people involved.
2. Inform the police about the crash: A police investigation will be conducted to determine whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which would be vital to your claim.
3. Gather evidence: Get essential details such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information, as well as witnesses’ information. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and the victims’ injuries.
4. Report the accident to your insurance company: Provide them with the necessary information, and avoid exaggerating the details of the accident.
5. Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391: Please speak with our DUI accident lawyers. They’ll defend your rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drunk-driving crashes killed about 37 Americans every day, one every 39 minutes; drunk drivers are involved in 31% of all traffic-related deaths nationwide, with 13,384 deaths, up 14% from 2020. Since 2012, drunk driving deaths have averaged 10,850 per year.

NHTSA stated that California recorded 1,370 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths in 2021, 32% of the 4,285 traffic-related deaths (roughly the same as the nationwide percentage of 31%). It is a 16% increase from 2020’s 1,180 recorded fatalities (30% of the 3,980 traffic-related deaths).

A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% or higher if you’re over 21, and 0.01% or higher if you’re under 21, or at any age if you’re on DUI probation, is illegal.