A 22-year-old man was killed after a pedestrian vs. vehicle DUI collision in Santa Cruz early Wednesday morning, July 3, 2024.
According to the Santa Cruz Police Department, the deadly crash happened at about 3:30 a.m. in the area of Mission Street and Laurel Street.
Police said that an unspecified car was traveling southbound on Mission Street when it struck the 22-year-old man in the roadway at the intersection of Laurel Street. The victim was then transported to a trauma center in San Jose via ground ambulance but later died at the hospital.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the victim reportedly remained at the scene for questioning. An arrest was then made after authorities suspected the driver of driving under the influence.
Neither of the two people involved in the crash has been identified publicly. Further information about the deceased will be released once the next of kin has been notified.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. While authorities investigated the scene, other motorists were advised to seek alternative routes to avoid traffic slowdowns.
No additional details were provided at this time.
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.