Ashton McKiearnan Died In Fresno County Car Accident With Drunk Driver By The Intersection of Ashlan Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue on Father’s Day
FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (June 21, 2022) -A father of two identified as Ashton McKiearnan was killed in a car accident with a drunk driver by Ashlan Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue.
Fresno County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:00 p.m. on Father’s Day. Ashton McKiearnan was driving an SUV with his wife and two children when a pickup trucked veered into his lane of traffic.
The SUV and pickup truck collided in the roadway causing the pickup to roll over. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Sadly, Ashton McKiearnan was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested the driver of the pickup truck on suspicion of felony DUI. They were booked into a Fresno County Jail and their bail has been set at $93,500.
Co-workers of the victim set up a GoFundMe following the crash. According to the GoFundMe page, “Our co-worker and friend Ashton McKiearnan worked in emergency dispatch services for 13 years. He was tragically killed yesterday on his way home from a Father’s Day celebration by a drunk driver. […] Hoping this fundraiser will raise some money to support his wife and kids during this devastating time.”
Liability In Fresno County DUI Car Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in collisions 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.” By the time a drunk driver is caught, they will likely have driven drunk dozens of times.
- People often don’t realize how poor they drive when they are intoxicated.
- Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers.
- Alcohol is not the only substance that can impair drivers. Drivers can become intoxicated from over-the-counter medications.
All drivers have a legal obligation to abstain from alcohol and other intoxicaing substances. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers of passenger vehicles must not drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to an even higher standard. They must not operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Drivers that cause accidents while intoxicated are vulnerable to both criminal and civil claims.
Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes in landscaping and construction. If a pickup truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the confines of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any DUI car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The driver suspected of DUI should get a blood test.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died due to the negligence of a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, insurance companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Fresno County DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ashton McKiearnan. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a completely preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. The driver responsible for this horrific crime needs to be held accountable.
Do you need more information about a Fresno County 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 those rights are being protected. 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.
