[09-24-2023] Tuolumne County, CA – 42-Year-Old Passenger Killed After DUI Single Vehicle Crash on State Route 120

A 42-year-old male passenger was killed after a 30-year-old DUI female driver crashed on SR-120, Tuolumne County, on Sunday afternoon, September 24, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to reports of the crash around 3:40 p.m. on eastbound SR-120 near Rushing Hill Lookout.

During the initial investigation, it was determined that the driver, identified as Leah D., drifted offroad and overcorrected, causing her 2004 GMC pickup truck to overturn and eject her.

She sustained major injuries and was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, while the 42-year-old passenger was pronounced dead on the scene.

The victim’s identity is still undisclosed by officials pending next of kin notification. The driver is facing charges of felony DUI and is now under the custody of authorities. The CHP is also conducting further investigation into the crash.

Award-Winning DUI Accident Lawyers in Tuolumne 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 seek advice from our most trusted Tuolumne 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.

What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?

Collisions caused by drunk drivers frequently result in physical harm, psychological, and financial issues. After the accident, you must exercise extra caution to protect yourself and your loved ones. This checklist will help you handle its aftermath:

• Prioritize your safety: Check yourself for injuries and the condition of the other people involved.
• Inform the police about the crash: A police investigation will be conducted to determine whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which would be vital to your claim.
• Gather evidence: Get essential details such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information, as well as witnesses’ information. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and the victims’ injuries.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: Provide them with the necessary information, and avoid exaggerating the details of the accident.
• Retain legal assistance: Please speak with our DUI accident lawyers. They’ll defend your rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drunk-driving crashes killed about 37 Americans every day, one every 39 minutes; drunk drivers are involved in 31% of all traffic-related deaths nationwide, with 13,384 deaths, up 14% from 2020. Since 2012, drunk driving deaths have averaged 10,850 per year.

NHTSA stated that California recorded 1,370 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths in 2021, 32% of the 4,285 traffic-related deaths (roughly the same as the nationwide percentage of 31%). It is a 16% increase from 2020’s 1,180 recorded fatalities (30% of the 3,980 traffic-related deaths).

A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% or higher if you’re over 21, and 0.01% or higher if you’re under 21, or at any age if you’re on DUI probation, is illegal.

In 2020, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported that Los Angeles County ranks 6th in the state for having the most victims killed and injured in DUI crashes, with 6,067 deaths and injuries out of 65,377 total (second statewide). 2,014 were between the ages of 21 and 34, while 262 were under 21.