[09-10-2023] Sonoma County, CA – DUI Driver with Passenger Crashes into Parked Vehicle in Petaluma

An intoxicated driver with a passenger crashed into a parked car in Petaluma early Sunday morning, September 10, 2023.

The Petaluma Police Department responded to a report by a resident of the 900 block of S McDowell Boulevard around 3:52 a.m., informing them of a silver BMW that crashed into one of their unoccupied parked cars by the yard.

Arriving at the scene, officers located the crashed BMW with a male driver, identified as 21-year-old Daniel N., and a female passenger. Both occupants were reported to be uninjured by the time police arrived.

Investigation revealed that Daniel N. was heading southbound on S McDowell Blvd and attempted to turn left onto eastbound Covey Way but could not navigate appropriately due to being under the influence, leading to the crash.

Following the DUI investigation, Daniel N. was found to have been driving the vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol and was arrested. He was then booked into the Main Adult Detention Facility of Sonoma County.

Award-Winning DUI Accident Lawyers in Petaluma, Sonoma County

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

Our experienced California DUI accident victim lawyers provide free initial consultations where we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our most trusted Sonoma County DUI accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We have recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and are widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

7 Steps to Take After A DUI Accident

Another driver’s recklessness can cause severe damage and affect the lives of others permanently. Being a victim of a DUI-caused accident is a tragedy that could have been avoided by the other party being responsible. If you or someone you know is involved in such an accident, the following steps may be helpful.

1. Prioritize Yourself: Prioritize getting immediate medical attention and contact the authorities if you are directly involved in the accident.
2. Work With a California Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer: Work with an experienced DUI accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
3. Do Not Admit or Accept Fault: Refrain from admitting or stating anything about the accident that can harm your case, as this may affect your ability to receive compensation.
4. Avoid Making Statements: Avoid making unnecessary statements about the incident without consulting an attorney. These statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
5. Do Not Settle: Avoid settling negotiations directly with the perpetrator, which could result in lower compensation. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of the damages before considering any settlement offers through a legal team.
6. Never Sign Without Consulting: Only sign documents with an attorney present or after consulting one to protect you and your rights.
7. Discuss your vehicle accident with one of our reliable California DUI accident victim lawyers. Please contact us at (888) 488-1391.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of any substance—including authorized prescription pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and marijuana—is unlawful and carries severe financial and legal repercussions. The accompanying costs for first-time offenders might be as high as $10,000; in California, an infraction is projected to cost around $13,500.

A 2021 study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows an average of 455 DUI arrests for every 100,000 drivers in 2019. Totaling 124121 arrests for that year alone. With 27,333 alcohol-related crashes and 2,998 drug-related crashes.

California’s Office of Traffic Safety is actively working with other partners to raise awareness about the risks associated with drugged driving to reduce injuries and deaths on the state’s roads.