[09-28-2023] Stanislaus County, CA – Women Died After Head-On Collision Caused By Drunk Driving in Modesto

Three women died in a head-on collision caused by a DUI driver in Modesto on Thursday morning, September 28, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash happened at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Maze Boulevard/Highway 132 west of Modesto.

A 49-year-old driver of a Lexus sedan, Wyatt G., was speeding and swerved left into the westbound lane before colliding with a 2015 Hyundai sedan and overturning in a field.

Four people were reportedly involved in the crash. One of the victims was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center, where they were declared dead.

Three people were declared dead, namely the two occupants of the sedan, a 67-year-old driver from Modesto and her 64-year-old passenger from Stockon, as well as a passenger of the 2010 Lexus.

The driver, who sustained minor injuries, was arrested after it was discovered that he was driving while intoxicated at the time of the collision.

Reliable DUI Accident Lawyers in Modesto, CA

DUI accidents can be prevented by never drinking and driving. A person who causes an accident while driving under the influence should be responsible for any medical bills incurred by those injured.

California law protects DUI accident victims from financial hardship because of medical bills and lost wages. You must seek the advice of a DUI accident lawyer if you find yourself in this situation.

You can rely on our most trusted Modesto drunk driving accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. We’re one of California’s top law firms, having recovered over $500 million for our clients.

Contact our firm at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Top 5 Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI

Large insurance firms defend most claims of drunk driving accidents. Knowing that the insurance company is never on your side is among the most essential things you should know. Please remember that an insurance company’s main priority is protecting its financial interests; they are more concerned with their earnings than providing you and your family with a full and just settlement.

Insurance businesses invest significant money in representative training to protect business interests. After a serious DUI accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you by phone or email. Take this kind of request with extreme caution. Insurance adjusters are working against you, no matter how friendly they may sound. You cannot rely on them to provide sound advice because they are not looking out for your best interests.

The following are our top five suggestions for interacting with the insurance company after being hurt in a DUI accident, as provided by our Modesto DUI victim attorneys.

1. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. Refrain from admitting or accepting blame for a DUI incident, as insurance companies often attempt to shift responsibility to lower their costs. Avoid discussing fault directly with an insurance adjuster to protect your rights as the victim.
2. Do Not Make a Statement. After an accident, avoid providing an insurance company with a recorded statement. Insurance claim adjusters look for information to use against you. The best defense is one of silence. Let your attorney communicate with the insurance provider on your behalf.
3. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. Don’t engage in early settlement talks after a DUI accident. Insurance companies may reduce the amount of your settlement, especially if liability is obvious. Let your DUI accident lawyer handle the talks to guarantee you receive the settlement you are entitled to.
4. Do Not Sign Any Documents. Never sign anything from an insurance company without first seeking legal counsel. Insurance companies might ask to see your medical data, but consenting without legal counsel could violate your rights. Your attorney will uphold your interests.
5. Work Through Your DUI Accident Lawyer. Deal with the insurance company solely through your DUI accident attorney. It’s risky to take on a major insurance company by yourself. Your knowledgeable California DUI accident lawyer will protect your rights and interests, ensuring you are properly represented throughout the proceedings.

Follow these steps and consult a knowledgeable lawyer if you are involved in a DUI accident. We will fight for just recompense through the expertise of our drunk driving attorneys. We’ll support you every step of the way.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal DUI Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report in 2021 revealing that drunk-driving accidents resulted in the death of approximately 37 Americans each day, with one fatality occurring every 39 minutes. Drunk drivers were responsible for 31% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, causing 13,384 deaths, an increase of 14% over last year. Approximately 10,850 drunk-driving fatalities have been reported annually since 2012.

In California, 1,370 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths in 2021, representing 32% of the 4,285 traffic-related deaths. This percentage is similar to the national average of 31%. Compared to the recorded fatalities of 1,180 (30% of the 3,980 traffic-related deaths) in 2020, this represents a 16% increase. It is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher if you are over 21, 0.01% or higher if you are under 21, or at any age if you are on DUI probation.