Highway Worker Killed In Carnelian Bay Car Accident With Suspected Drunk Driver On Highway 28 Near Sahara Road
CARNELIAN BAY, CALIFORNIA (September 28, 2022) – A highway worker has tragically died in a Carnelian Bay car accident with a drunk driver on Highway 28.
Members of the Truckee California Highway Patrol are saying that the accident took place around 10:45 p.m. on Monday. A man entered a construction zone before striking a highway worker.
That driver continue down the highway before hitting a dump truck and excavator. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, the highway worker was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested the driver of the car on suspicion of driving under the influence.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Carnelian Bay Car Accidents
Driver intoxication remains 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.” Even moderate amounts of alcohol below the legal limit can still impair drivers in the following ways.
- Reduced coordination
- Inability to focus
- Trouble staying within lanes of traffic
- Blurred vision
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is illegal for anyone operating a motor vehicle to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers must not have a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Any person that drinks and drives prior to an accident may face criminal and civil liability for their actions.
Drivers must obey the speed limit at all times. According to California Vehicle Code 22362, it is a prima facie violation of the basic speed law for any person to operate a motor vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit within 400 feet of a construction zone. If a driver fails to reduce their speed and hits a highway worker, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Any suspected drunk driver should get a blood test.
- An independent investigation should be conducted.
When a person is killed by a drunk driver, their family may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Unfortunately, drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any crash. 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 Placer County Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the highway worker killed in this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Do you need more information about a Carnelian Bay car accident. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance after an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
