According to a report from ABC 10 News, alcohol is suspected as a factor in the devastating wrong-way crash that took the lives of three people in San Joaquin County. The tragic wreck is still under a more comprehensive investigation. Here, our Stockton auto accident attorney explains what we know about this terrible crash and highlights the dangers associated with intoxicated driving.
Three People Killed in Likely Drunk Driving Wreck Near Stockton, California
As confirmed in reporting by ABC 10 News, three people were killed in a wrong-way crash on a recent Sunday afternoon in San Joaquin County. The victims have been identified as Angela Maldonado of Lockeford and Skyy Richardson and Simon Onesavanh, both of Stockton. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has confirmed that a Ford Fiesta was traveling eastbound on Highway 12 when the driver lost control and spun directly into the westbound lanes. The Ford vehicle was broadsided by a Toyota Tacoma. All three people in Ford were killed in the crash. Two other people in the Toyota truck suffered serious injuries. Based on a preliminary investigation, the CHP believes that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.
Drunk Driving is One of the Leading Causes of Wrong-Way Collisions
Wrong-way collisions are one of the most devastating types of crashes on our roadways. They are disproportionately likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Some of the reasons why these wrecks are so dangerous is because of their high-speed, head-on nature. Notably, one of the primary causes of these accidents is drunk driving. When a driver is impaired by alcohol, their judgment, coordination, and ability to process road signs and traffic patterns are severely diminished. Impairment increases the risk of a driver entering a highway or road in the wrong direction and/or losing control of their vehicle in sliding into oncoming traffic.
What DUI Accident Victims (and their Families) Need to Know About California Law
If you or your loved one was involved in a bad crash with a drunk driver in Stockton, San Joaquin County, or elsewhere in the region, it is imperative that you know your rights. Here is an overview of some of the key things that DUI crash victims should know about California law:
- You Have the Right to Bring a Civil Claim (Separate from Criminal Case): DUI crash victims deserve justice—in every form that is available under California law. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to file a civil personal injury or wrongful death claim—even if a criminal DUI case is also being pursued. The outcome of the criminal case does not determine your right to pursue financial compensation. A civil claim is focused on accountability and making the victim whole. It allows injured parties and their families to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Civil court also has a lower burden of proof. You can bring a claim even if criminal DUI charges are eventually dropped by prosecutors.
- A Comprehensive Investigation of a DUI Crash is a Must: All drunk driving accidents require thorough, detail-focused investigation. A competent investigation is a must to preserve and prove critical facts. Evidence like police reports, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction analyses can help establish liability. Of course, police will likely conduct an investigation for their criminal case. But that is not sufficient. You need a top Stockton, CA DUI accident attorney on your side as soon as possible after a serious wreck.
- Full and Fair Compensation is Deserved, May Include Punitive Damages: In California, the victims of DUI crashes have the right to pursue full compensation for all damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. The pursuit of compensation is for the victims to be made “whole.” That means your compensation is linked directly to the damages that sustained in the crash. However, in California, DUI accident victims may also be eligible for additional financial compensation in the form of punitive damages. Notably, these are not meant to compensate the victim directly, but instead to punish the drunk driver for gross negligence and deter similar conduct. If a driver acted with a conscious disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded.
- California has Very Limited Dram Shop/Social Host Liability: For the most part, DUI accident injury claims are filed against the intoxicated driver (and their insurer). However, there are some limited cases in which another party may also bear liability for the crash. Under California Civil Code § 1714, providers of alcohol are usually not legally responsible for the actions of intoxicated adults. With that being said, there are narrow exceptions—for example, when alcohol is served to a visibly intoxicated minor. If you were hurt in a crash with an intoxicated minor, an attorney can help you explore all of your available options.
We Fight for Justice for Car Accident Victims in Stockton
Unfortunately, drunk driving remains a very serious health and safety risk on our roads. Far too many people get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. They put themselves, their passengers, and other people in harm’s way. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we fight for justice for the victims of DUI crashes. With eight figures in compensation secured for victims and families, our case results tell the story. You can rely on our Stockton car accident lawyers for even the most complex of drunk driving accident claims.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Auto Accident Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton car accident attorney is standing by, ready to fight to protect your right. If you or your loved one was involved in a bad crash with an intoxicated driver, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us for a fully confidential case review. We represent DUI accident victims in Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the communities beyond.