Nancy Valdes Died In Palm Desert Car Accident With Suspected Drunk Driver By Calliandra Street and Alamo Drive
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (March 15, 2023) – A woman identified as Nancy Valdes was killed in a car accident by the intersection of Calliandra Street and Alamo Drive.
Riverside County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:09 p.m. on March 4. Nancy Valdes was walking when she was hit by a gray Nissan Frontier.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Nancy Valdes died at the scene.
The driver of the Nissan Frontier was identified as a Palm Desert High School coach. Police arrested him on suspicion of driver intoxication.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Palm Desert 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.” There are many ways that alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely.
- Intoxicated drivers have trouble staying in their own lane.
- Intoxicated drivers have trouble reacting to what’s ahead of them.
- Intoxicated drivers have trouble maintaining a set speed.
It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, no person shall operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If a driver hits a pedestrian while intoxicated, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If the driver of a vehicle was working for a school district at the time of a collision, that school district 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 DUI car accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Any driver suspected of DUI should be given a blood test.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any fatal pedestrian accident. The family of any person that is killed in an accident with a drunk driver may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or children.
Investigating A Palm Desert DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Nancy Valdes. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Palm Desert DUI car accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here for you. 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 any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
