A female passenger was hospitalized after a suspected drunk driver drove their vehicle into the lake in Big Bear Lake late Saturday night, May 25, 2024.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. at Big Bear Lake.
It all started when the authorities received a report of a vehicle that supposedly went into the lake. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found the vehicle partially submerged in the water, with its rear end as the only part sticking out.
Deputies said that the driver managed to get out of the now-sinking car on their own, but a female passenger remained trapped inside. One of the responders acted quickly and dove into the lake to save the passenger. The female deputy was able to pull the victim up and into safety, where they were met by the paramedics.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition is unknown, as are her name, age, and place of origin.
The driver of the vehicle, meanwhile, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Further information was not available immediately. The investigation is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.