[05-04-2025] Sacramento County, CA – Passenger Killed, Two Drivers Arrested for DUI After Crash at North Haven Drive and Watt Avenue in North Highlands

One person was killed and two drivers were arrested on suspicion of DUI following a two-vehicle crash at North Haven Drive and Watt Avenue in North Highlands, Sacramento County, on Sunday night, May 4, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 10:00 p.m. at North Haven Drive and Watt Avenue.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District informed authorities that the passenger of an overturned BMW, identified as 30-year-old Volodymyr M., was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the BMW, 28-year-old Yurii S., was found unconscious and transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators said the BMW had been speeding southbound on Watt Avenue when it struck a Nissan Altima driven by Alvaro N., who was turning left from a business driveway.

Authorities stated that after colliding with the Nissan, the BMW continued onto the median and struck two large trees. The BMW driver was later arrested at the hospital on suspicion of driving under the influence, while officers also determined that the Nissan driver was under the influence and arrested him as well.

The crash remains under investigation.

Contact Our Trusted DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Sacramento County, CA

One reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause irreversible harm. DUI accidents are among the most devastating, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or heartbreaking loss. If an impaired driver has injured you or someone you love, you have the right to seek justice. The legal team at Arash Law is ready to fight for you.

Our experienced DUI accident victim attorneys in Sacramento County take immediate action to protect your rights. We investigate the crash thoroughly, gather critical evidence, consult with medical experts when needed, and build a strong case designed to secure the full compensation you deserve.

We recognize the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens DUI accidents can create. That is why we are committed to making the legal process clear, supportive, and effective, while pursuing the maximum recovery on your behalf. With more than $750 million recovered for injured clients across California, our results speak for themselves.

Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation today.

How to Protect Yourself After a DUI Accident in Sacramento County, CA

If you or a loved one were injured in a DUI accident, your safety and well-being are the top priority. Here are the steps you should take when involved in an accident with a drunk or drugged driver:

1. Check For Injuries
   Immediately check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. Look for visible signs like bruises, cuts, or fractures, and be mindful of any pain or discomfort that might indicate internal injuries.
2. Ensure Safety
   Your safety and the safety of others should be your top priority. If the accident occurred in a hazardous location, such as a busy road, move yourself and any injured individuals to a safer area if possible, without worsening any injuries.
3. Report The Accident
   Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so. Law enforcement officers are needed to document the scene. They will conduct sobriety tests, arrest the intoxicated driver if necessary, and file an official report.
4. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
   Emergency responders, including paramedics, will assess your condition and administer first aid. If advised, proceed to the nearest hospital for further treatment. Seeking immediate medical care helps your recovery and provides documentation of your injuries.
5. Gather Information
   While waiting for authorities, collect essential details such as the other driver’s name, contact number, and insurance information. Also, gather contact details of any witnesses, as their statements may support your case.
6. Document The Incident
   Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include images of all vehicle damage, your injuries, and any visible signs of intoxication (e.g., open alcohol containers). This evidence can be critical in building your claim.
7. Call An Experienced Attorney
   Contact a skilled DUI accident lawyer in Sacramento County as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable. For trusted legal support, call our dedicated DUI accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving was a major factor in traffic fatalities across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 11,654 deaths were attributed to crashes involving a drunk driver, making up 30% of all traffic-related deaths that year. This represented a 14.3% increase from 2019, when 10,196 such fatalities were recorded.

On average, one person is killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes. The age groups with the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were those aged 21 to 24 and 25 to 34, each accounting for 26% of these incidents.

When looking at vehicle types, motorcyclists had the highest percentage of alcohol impairment in fatal collisions at 27%. They were followed by drivers of passenger cars at 23%, light trucks at 19%, and large trucks at 3%.

Among the 1,093 children aged 14 and under who died in traffic accidents that year, 21% (229 deaths) were connected to alcohol-related crashes. Notably, 67% of all DUI fatalities (7,831 deaths) involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher, nearly double the legal limit.

The data also revealed that drunk driving crashes resulting in death were 3.1 times more likely to occur at night than during daylight hours.