Fatal Chico Highway DUI Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico car accident attorney. A man from Miami, Florida was fatally injured in a collision that took place on State Route 99E near Chico that authorities say was caused by an intoxicated driver. The accident occurred on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
My deepest sympathies are with the friends and family of the decedent.
Collision Details
According to reports released on Monday, February 26, 2018, by California Highway Patrol (CHP), Miguel Olivera Ullan, a 57-year-old resident of Hialeah, Florida, had been driving northbound in a 2016 Freightliner and trailer with one passenger in the cab. The passenger was only identified as a 50-year-old male from Miami, Florida.
Ullan had been driving north of the intersection at Vina Road when a 2000 Honda Civic, driven by a 24-year-old resident of Proberta, approached the truck from behind while traveling at high speeds. The driver of the Honda reportedly accelerated in order to pass the truck, but lost control of his vehicle while doing so. After the driver lost control, the Honda swerved and collided with the front left wheel of the truck.
The Honda continued to spin out of control and eventually stopped in the highway’s southbound lane. The impact of the Honda caused the Freightliner to drive off of the road before overturning onto its left-hand side. While overturning, the trailer detached from the truck and collided with a large oak tree.
Fatality and Injuries
CHP dispatched first responders to the accident site immediately after being notified of a wreck involving major injuries. Responding officials reported that the passenger of the truck had suffered fatal injuries during the crash. Ullan was reported to have suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter in order to be taken to the Chico Enloe Medical Center.
The driver of the Honda was reportedly not injured in the accident.
DUI Accident
Responding officers determined that the driver of the Honda had been driving his vehicle while under the influence at the time of the collision. The man was arrested at the accident scene before being booked into the Tehama County Jail with charges including DUI involving drugs and alcohol as well as vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
DUI Dangers
Drivers who use intoxicants before and/or while driving put both themselves and everybody on the road in serious danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that around one-third of the fatal car accidents that happen in the United States are caused by DUI drivers.
When DUI drivers cause accidents, they are considered to be negligently operating their vehicles and can be held responsible for damages and injuries. For more information about obtaining recompense from irresponsible drivers, see my website.
More by Ed Smith, Chico Car Accident Attorney
Chico Car Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico car accident attorney. Wrongful death cases are often complicated, but a lawyer with experience can help you. If you know someone who has been fatally injured in a crash, reach out to me for friendly, free legal advice. You can contact me on AutoAccident.com or by phone at either (800) 404-540 or (530) 392-9400.
I’ve helped residents of Chico with cases that include traumatic injuries and wrongful death for more than 35 years and have assisted many families and individuals with obtaining the recompense they need.
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I’ve settled cases and won trial verdicts worth over one million USD for clients and am a member in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
See my firm’s Prior Verdicts and Settlements here.
For the best information, data, and reporting available for the Northern CA area on the topics of auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury, see AutoAccident.com.
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