Nicole Lawson Died In Santa Barbara Car Accident With Drunk Driver on Painted Cave Road North of Highway 154
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA (July 30, 2020) – A woman identified as Nicole Lawson died in a Santa Barbara car accident with drunk driver on Painted Cave North.
Santa Barbara officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. Nicole Lawson may have been walking when she was hit by a vehicle.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim who was unconscious in the roadway. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Nicole Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police arrested the driver of the vehicle that hit her on suspicion of DUI. He experienced a medical emergency during the arrest and was taken to a hospital and booked in absentia into jail.
Liability In Santa Barbara DUI Car Accidents
Driver intoxication is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to The Zebra, “Drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content of over 0.10 are 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than sober drivers. (Responsibility.org) Over 10,000 Americans a year are killed by drunk drivers, about 1,000 of them being children. (CDC)” There are a number of substances that could potentially impair a driver.
- Over the counter medications
- Prescriptions
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleep aides
It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many people drive drunk dozens of times before they are eventually caught. When a driver is intoxicated and hits a pedestrian they will typically be held liable for the crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any DUI car accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a crash may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or dependent children. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any crash.
Investigating A Santa Barbara DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Nicole Lawson. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Santa Barbara car accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and information that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into a crash we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
