[07-24-2021] Lake County, CA – DUI Crash in Clearlake Oaks Injures Five People

Five people sustained varying degrees of injuries after a DUI crash in Clearlake Oaks on Saturday afternoon, July 24.

The major collision occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Highway 20 near the intersection with Sulphur Bank Drive in Clearkale Oaks. A Toyota Highlander initially drove westbound on Highway 20 at high speeds when the driver rear-ended a Toyota Prius.

Due to the severity of the impact, both the Highlander and the Prius veered into the westbound lanes and collided head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. A fourth vehicle was also reportedly involved in the collision.  At least five people were injured in the mishap.

Three women who were inside the Cherokee were airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center. The Prius driver and another person sustained minor injuries in the accident. The driver of the fourth vehicle was uninjured.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was also airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Toyota Highlander driver was later identified as 37-year-old Stephen W.

Authorities determined that Williams was under the influence at the time of the accident. He was arrested for DUI-related charges. An investigation of the accident is currently underway.

DUI Accident Statistics

In this case, the Toyota Highlander driver was clearly at fault because he was driving while under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most reckless and dangerous things a driver can do. Intoxicated drivers put the lives of others — and themselves — in grave danger. While California and the United States as a whole have made significant progress in reducing drunk driving, there is still much more work to be done.

Approximately 10,000 people are killed each year in DUI accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drugs and alcohol are involved in around 18% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. Following a significant DUI accident, the intoxicated driver is likely to face serious criminal charges. Under California state law (California Vehicle Code 23513), a DUI that results in an injury to another person can be charged as a felony offense.

Personal Injury Attorney for Victims of DUI Crashes in Lake County

To receive compensation for their injuries, a drunk driving victim must usually file a civil claim against the drunk driver, which often begins with your injury lawyer opening a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. If a drunk or drugged driver has injured you, you should seek professional representation from a DUI victim attorney near you who can pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf in civil court. Your lawyer can enter any information uncovered in the criminal case, including a DUI conviction, into evidence in your civil case.

Your attorney will negotiate the claim’s value, and if the insurance company makes a fair settlement offer, the case can come to a resolution quickly. Your attorney might have to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver if their insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.

At Arash Law, our California drunk driving accident attorneys are influential, aggressive advocates for DUI accident victims. Drunk drivers must be held accountable for their egregious and dangerous behavior. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free no-obligation accident review.