[09-19-2023] Sonoma County, CA – 32-Year-Old DUI Driver Arrested, 3 Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Collision in Petaluma

A 32-year-old man, identified as Ian S., was arrested on suspicion of DUI, while three were injured after a two-vehicle crash in Petaluma on Tuesday morning, September 19, 2023.

Petaluma Police Department reported the head-on collision around 11 a.m. on Lakeville Highway at Pine View Way near the Kaiser Permanente medical facility.

The collision involved a blue Chevy vehicle and a green Kia Soul. Three unidentified Kia occupants and the Chevy driver were transported to the local hospital.

Police reported that the Chevy driver lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic, and collided with the Kia while traveling eastbound on Lakeville Highway toward Highway 37.

After narcotics were found in the Chevy, the driver was evaluated and treated at the hospital before being arrested and taken to Sonoma County jail for felony DUI.

The identities of the other individuals involved were not disclosed. Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact the authorities.

Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers in Sonoma County

You may be entitled to compensation when a negligent driver kills or seriously injures you or a family member. The assistance of a personal injury attorney can be invaluable in investigating car accidents that result in unintentional injuries.

During your free consultation, you can meet with our legal team to review your case’s specifics, decide what steps to take next, talk about your settlement, and clarify the insurance claims procedure so that you are well informed and ready to deal with the legal process.

Our dedicated Sonoma County DUI accident attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have the recognition and experience to represent victims. Throughout California, we have recovered over $500 Million in compensation for our clients, showing our persistent commitment to justice and financial compensation.

Contact us or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a DUI accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights.

When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down if the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a DUI accident:

• Don’t Agree or Accept Responsibility. Insurance companies often try to shift some blame onto the injured victim after DUI accidents. By doing so, they reduce their liability. This means money comes directly from them. If you have been in a DUI accident, never admit fault. Drunk drivers should be held responsible for their actions. Direct conversations with insurance adjusters about faults are not recommended.
• Avoid Making a Statement. After an accident, you don’t have to give the insurance company a recorded statement. An insurance adjuster will call many times asking for your statement. This is because they seek information against you in the claims process. Ensure you communicate with the insurance company through your lawyer so that your words are not misinterpreted or twisted.
  1. Avoid Opening Settlement Discussions. Insurance companies have a hard time avoiding liability in DUI accidents. That’s why they changed their strategy. It is common for insurers to limit the amount of a settlement for an injured victim in cases in which liability is clearly evident. The most common tactic used to compensate victims of DUI accidents is to offer a quick, lowball settlement to the victims. Ensure you do not settle your claim for less than what you are owed. Ensure that your DUI accident attorney handles the settlement negotiations on your behalf.
  2. Avoid Signing Any Documents. A lawyer should be consulted before signing any documents from an insurance company. Insurance companies often require injured victims to sign a release of their medical records. Do not believe them when they claim a particular document is standard procedure. They are simply seeking information to reduce your compensation. You may not be required to give them full access to your records. By hiring a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected.
• Consult a DUI Accident Lawyer. There is no reason why you should compete with a large insurance company on your own. DUI accident injury claims involve a great deal of risk. Insurers will spend considerable resources to reduce your settlement. A California DUI accident lawyer can best protect your rights and interests by dealing with the insurance company exclusively.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

It is unlawful to drive under the influence of any substance, including drugs or alcohol prescribed by a physician, illicit drugs, or marijuana and carries serious financial and legal consequences. First-time offenders might face costs of as much as $10,000; in California, almost $13,500 is predicted to be the cost of an infraction.

According to a study conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in 2021, there will be an average of 455 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers in 2019. The number of arrests for that year alone was 124121. It is estimated that 27,333 accidents are related to alcohol, while 2,998 are related to drugs.

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.