One Person Killed In Madera DUI Car Accident Near The Intersection of Avenue 17 and Melba Drive
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (May 17, 2022) – One person has tragically died in a Madera car accident with a drunk driver by the intersection of Avenue 17 and Melba Drive.
Madera County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday night. A GMC truck collided with a Hyundai sedan as it was making a right turn in the roadway.
The driver of the sedan fled the scene and was later found hiding in a vacant lot. They were arrested on suspicion of DUI and felony hit-and-run.
Paramedics tried to help the passenger in the sedan, but they died due to their injuries. A full investigation into the Madera collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In California DUI Car Accidents
Driver intoxication is one of the leading causes of 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. These deaths were all preventable.” Even very small amounts of alcohol below the legal limit can dramatically impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
- Drivers with a BAC of only 0.04% are have less control of their muscles.
- Drivers with a BAC of only 0.04% are more likely to fall asleep than sober drivers.
- Drivers with a BAC of only 0.04% are less able to stay within the lanes of the road.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers must not operate their vehicle if they have a BAC of 0.0% or higher. But what many drivers do not realize is that there are a range of products that can intoxicate them. These products include prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
There could be numerous sources of liability for any collision. All drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions, especially as they are making turns. According to California Vehicle Code 21804, the driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle close enough so as to pose a hazard. When a driver fails to yield the right of way and collides with another vehicle while turning, they could be held at fault through a civil claim.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes in construction or landscaping. In general, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many companies try to evade liability for accidents by hiring their drivers as independent contractors. There are many steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Some driver’s may need to undergo a drug test.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident 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. Unfortunately, insurance companies will often fight hard to deny any liability 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 California DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person that died in this Madera collision. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. This was a preventable collision that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Madera 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
