Fatal Accident on Highway 160 Involves Possible DUI Driver
A head-on crash close to Rio Vista on November 27 cost the life of a young man, and the other motorist was arrested as a suspected DUI driver. The collision occurred along southbound Highway 160 when the driver of a Subaru, age 20, and a West Sacramento resident crossed the double lines and caused a collision with a Honda driven by an 18-year-old Sacramento man. The Honda being driven by the younger man, exited the roadway after the head-on collision and passed down the levee on the highway’s east side.
Subaru Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI
The driver succumbed to his injuries while he was being transported to UC Davis Medical Center, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of his family to help cover final resting costs.
The motorist in the Subaru who caused the collision sustained minor injuries. He was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI and taken to the Sacramento County Jail, where he was booked. The highway remained shut down while an investigation into the crash was conducted by the CHP.
Drunk Driver Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
In a wrongful death case involving a drunk driver, the person or entity liable for damages may be held responsible. The legal concept of negligence makes it possible to hold a DUI driver financially responsible for carelessness or recklessness that leads to an accident and resulting death. Additionally, in some cases, third parties such as bars and restaurants that served alcohol to underage individuals or those who were visibly intoxicated may also be held liable for damages. Finally, negligent auto manufacturers can also come into play if their defective parts are found to have caused or contributed to the crash.
Dram Shop Laws May Come Into Play When a DUI Driver Causes a Fatality
It is important to note that most states, including California, have dram shop laws, which allow family members of the deceased to pursue civil action against establishments that illegally served alcohol to the driver. It is also important to be aware of any laws related to social host liability, which may hold private citizens accountable for providing alcohol to minors or other intoxicated individuals who later cause an accident resulting in a fatality.
Punitive Damages Because of a DUI Driver
When an intentional or egregious act causes the death of someone, the family might be able to ask that punitive damages be awarded. Punitive damages are not meant as compensation but as punishment for the negligent driver.
Compensation Following a Wrongful Death Caused by a DUI Driver
When pursuing a wrongful death claim involving a drunk driver, it is essential to have experienced legal representation who can help ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. An experienced attorney can also provide guidance and support throughout the process while helping you fight for justice and the best possible recovery on behalf of your loved one.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Rio Vista
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Rio Vista wrongful death lawyer. For free and friendly advice on whether you can file a wrongful death claim if your loved one died in an accident that shouldn’t have happened, contact us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. If you would like to message us online, you can do so as well.
We are members of the Top 1 Percent as well as the Million Dollar Advocates. By checking out these links, we can show you how hard our injury lawyers work.
The following are some examples of how our accident attorneys have helped people:
Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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