[08-16-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – Woman Killed, Another Injured After Vehicle Crashes Into Home in Downey

A 73-year-old woman was killed, and a 24-year-old woman was hospitalized after a vehicle crashed into a home in Downey early Saturday morning, August 16, 2025.

According to the Downey Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the 9500 block of Gallatin Road, just west of the Santa Ana (5) Freeway.

Authorities said a 24-year-old man from Maywood was driving eastbound on Gallatin Road when his car plowed into the residence. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The 73-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver was not injured.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Downey, CA

Collisions involving suspected impaired drivers can result in severe injuries, property damage, and tragic fatalities. Families often face sudden loss, overwhelming expenses, and uncertainty about the next steps after such incidents. Learning about the available legal avenues may help you make informed choices during this difficult time.

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Downey can assist victims and families after a serious crash. This may involve reviewing official reports, preserving important evidence, and explaining the process of pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances. While every situation is different, early legal guidance may help provide clarity and support in navigating the aftermath.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI Accident In Downey, CA

The aftermath of a DUI accident can be overwhelming, especially when it involves the loss of life or serious injury. Taking certain steps may help protect your rights and preserve critical information:

1. Contact Law Enforcement
   Request the official police report from the Downey Police Department. These records may include witness accounts, scene details, and initial findings.
2. Seek Medical Attention
   Ensure that all injuries are promptly treated and documented. Even those who feel unhurt should be examined, as some conditions are not immediately apparent.
3. Preserve Evidence
   Keep photographs, damaged property, and personal belongings from the scene in their current condition. This material may assist in understanding how the crash occurred.
4. Gather Witness Information
   Obtain names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements may help provide a clearer account of the incident.
5. Consult DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   An attorney can explain possible legal options, assist with insurance matters, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. In some cases, claims may involve circumstances tied to a reckless driving accident or a freeway accident. Families may also benefit from consulting car accident lawyers in Downey or reaching out to DUI accident victim lawyers in Los Angeles County for regional support.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Drunk driving continues to be a major cause of deadly crashes in the United States. In 2021, about 31 percent of all traffic deaths involved a driver who had been drinking. That means nearly one out of every three fatal crashes was linked to alcohol use.

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of people killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers went up by 14.2 percent, rising from 11,718 to 13,384 deaths. In comparison, total traffic deaths increased by 10.1 percent during the same time period.

In 2021, there were around 60,904 drivers involved in deadly car crashes. Of those, an estimated 12,762 drivers (21 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

Motorcycle riders had the highest percentage of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes. About 28 percent of motorcyclists in deadly collisions had been drinking, followed by 24 percent of passenger car drivers, 20 percent of light truck drivers, and 3 percent of large truck drivers.

Tragically, alcohol-related crashes also affected children. Out of the 1,184 children aged 14 and younger who died in traffic crashes in 2021, 25 percent (294 children) were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers.