Veronica Vargas Died, Sammy Injured In Sacramento Car Accident With Drunk Driver In Pickup Truck By The Intersection of Elise Avenue and Power Inn Road
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (May 28, 2022) – A 32-year-old woman identified as Veronica Vargas has died and her daughter Sammy was injured in a Sacramento DUI car accident by Elise Avenue and Power Inn Road.
Sacramento County officers are saying that the accident took place Thursday. Veronica Vargas was in a SUV with her daughter Sammy when she was hit on the driver side by a pickup truck that ran a red light.
Good Samaritans managed to pull the driver of the pickup truck out of his vehicle and he attempted to flee on foot. But he was apprehended and detained until police came.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and began life-saving measures in order to help the victim. Sadly, Veronica Vargas succumbed to her injuries.
Her four-year-old daughter was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment. Police arrested the driver of the pickup truck on suspicion of DUI.
You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.
According to the GoFundMe page, “Veronica leaves behind her husband Erick and her 5 young children. Our entire family is mourning the loss of such a beautiful, kindhearted and sweet soul and we are praying for Sammy and doing everything we can. With a heavy heart, we ask for whoever would like to help. Please also help share this link.”
Liability In Sacramento DUI Car Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in car accidents with drunk drivers every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Every day, 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This is one death every 50 minutes. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.” Drunk drivers will often drive intoxicated dozens of times before they are eventually caught and held accountable. Even a small amount of alcohol below the legal limit can substantially impair drivers in the following ways.
- Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 have delayed reaction times.
- Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 are less able to focus on objects in the roadway.
- Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 have trouble staying in their lanes.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers must not operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. If a driver goes through a yield sign or a red light without yielding, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield. Any driver that is intoxicated when a crash occurs may face civil as well as criminal liability. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a car accident could extend beyond an at-fault driver.
Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes such as landscaping, moving or construction. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any collision with an intoxicated driver.
- If should be determined if the driver was working when the crash occurred.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Footage from traffic cameras should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in a collision with an intoxicated driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that evidence is preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability. A wrongful death attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Sacramento DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Veronica Vargas. It is our sincere hope that Sammy will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that witnessed this crash should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Sacramento DUI car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that drunk drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.
