According to a report from CBS Sacramento, a late-night drunk driving accident in Stockton left one person in the hospital with serious injuries. The intoxicated driver was arrested and charged with a felony DUI. In this article, our Stockton car accident lawyers explain what we know about the crash and provide an overview of your rights if you are hurt in a collision with a drunk driver.
Head-On DUI Crash Leaves One in the Hospital in Stockton, California
Shortly before midnight on the evening of April 15th, 2022, a serious multi-vehicle collision was reported in north Stockton, near Lincoln Village. Emergency services personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene of the accident on El Dorado Street.
After a preliminary investigation, the Stockton Police Department determined that Jason McKinley, 39, was driving a white Chevrolet truck that drifted into oncoming traffic. It struck a red Toyota in a head-on collision. The driver of the red Toyota was an unnamed 20-year-old man. He suffered serious injuries in the crash.
Mr. McKinley was uninjured. Officers conducted a chemical test that revealed that his blood alcohol concentration (BAC level) was twice the legal limit. He was arrested and taken into custody on felony DUI charges.
What to Do if You are Injured in a Crash With a Drunk Driver in Central California
Unfortunately, intoxicated driving crashes remain a serious public safety hazard in California and throughout the country. Alcohol is a factor in nearly one-third of all deadly crashes reported nationwide. If you or your family member is involved in a serious collision with a suspected drunk driver, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect yourself and your rights. Here are four specific steps to take after a DUI crash in Stockton:
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Emergency medical needs come first. Non-emergency injuries must be evaluated by a doctor.
- Report the accident to law enforcement. It is in your best interest to ensure that the matter is investigated. The intoxicated driver must be held accountable.
- Document the crash. Beyond taking pictures and getting contact details for witnesses, preserve anything else that might be relevant evidence.
- Consult with an experienced Stockton, CA DUI accident attorney. These are complex cases. Your lawyer will help you maximize your financial recovery.
A drunk driver who causes an accident in California is likely to face criminal charges. With a serious crash, they are likely to face felony DUI charges. That being said, a criminal case will not get you the personal injury compensation you need to pay your bills. You can and should initiate a civil claim against the intoxicated driver and any other at-fault parties.
Get Help From a Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyer in Stockton
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton car accident lawyers are relentless, justice-driven advocates for injured victims. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver, our DUI accident injury lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your case. We represent motor vehicle accidents throughout the San Joaquin Valley.