Jesus Sanchez (Full Name: Jesus Tejada Sanchez), Joanne Figueroa Injured, 1-Year-Old Killed In Buttonwillow Car Accident With Drunk Driver on Shafter Avenue by Burbank Street
BUTTONWILLOW, CALIFORNIA (July 25, 2022) – Jesus Sanchez, Joanne Figueroa and a 6-year-old were injured and 1-year-old died in a Buttonwillow car accident with a drunk driver.
Kern County officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Jesus Tejada Sanchez was driving a Jeep Cherokee with Joanne Figueroa and two children ages 6 and 1 on Shafter Avenue approaching Burbank Street.
The driver of a Dodge Ram pickup truck ran a stop sign and crashed into the left side of the Jeep Cherokee. The force of the impact caused the Jeep to hit two power poles before overturning.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims. Jesus Sanchez, Joanne Figueroa and the two children were taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
Sadly, the 1-year-old child in the car die due to their injuries. Police have charged the driver of the Dodge Ram with operating under the influence. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Buttonwillow DUI Car Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes for car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, “Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019.” Many people drive drunk dozens of times before they are eventually caught. There are many substances besides alcohol that could potentially impair a driver including:
- Sleep aids
- Benzodiazepines
- Prescriptions
- Over-the-counter medications
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs under California Vehicle Code 23152. Any driver that causes an accident after going through a stop sign could be held at fault through the doctrine of negligence per se. 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. If a pickup truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that is killed due to the negligence of a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid responsibility for a 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 Buttonwillow DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the child injured in this collision. It is our sincere hope that Jesus Sanchez, Joanne Figueroa and the 6-year-old injured in this crash will be able to make a full recovery. This was a totally preventable tragedy that should not have occured.
Do you need more information about a Buttonwillow collision with a drunk driver? 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.
