[09-10-2023] Butte County, CA – Unidentified 83-Year-Old Woman Killed Following DUI Head-On Collision in Paradise

An unidentified 83-year-old woman was killed after a DUI head-on collision in Paradise, Butte County, on Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023.

According to the Paradise Police Department, the incident occurred in the 9000 block of Skyway at around 4:43 p.m.

PPD officers responded to a traffic collision between 47-year-old Magalia resident James S. and the 83-year-old Paradise resident. At the scene, two vehicles were discovered to be blocking both lanes of traffic, causing a two-hour obstruction on the Skyway.

The investigation revealed that James S. was driving east and veered into the opposite lane, where he collided head-on with the woman. Authorities uncovered that James S. had watched football and drank before the collision.

Both drivers were severely injured and transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the woman was pronounced dead approximately five hours later. Police apprehended James S. at the hospital but could not book him into jail until he had recovered.

James S. will be prosecuted for felony violation of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers in Paradise, Butte County, CA

Avoiding DUI accidents is as simple as not drinking and driving. It is the responsibility of drunk drivers to pay for the medical expenses of their victims. Injury victims can struggle to make ends meet because of medical bills and lost wages.

Although DUI accidents are extremely difficult to prevent completely, California law protects those injured.

Our renowned Butte County drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. As one of California’s most successful law firms, we have recovered more than $500 Million for clients.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?

Driving under the influence puts both the driver and those around them at risk. Protect yourself and your loved ones after a collision by taking extra precautions. This checklist will help you deal with its aftermath:

1. It should be your top priority to get medical help. Also, check the condition of the other people involved.
2. Inform the police about the collision. A police investigation will be conducted to determine whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
3. Get essential details such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
4. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and the victims’ injuries.
5. You must report the accident to your insurance company and provide the necessary information regarding the accident.
6. Please speak with our DUI accident lawyers in California. They’ll defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents cause 32 deaths daily, one every 45 minutes. Drunk driving caused 11,654 traffic deaths in 2020, an increase of 14% over 2019.

The California DUI Management Information System found an increase of 5.8% in alcohol-related fatal accidents between 2016 and 2017. Drinking and driving pose a risk to everyone on the road, including the driver.

In 2019, California lost 949 lives as a result of drunk driving. This is 2.4 per 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 per 100,000. Drunk driving was a factor in 28.1% of road fatalities in the US and 26.3% in California in 2014.