Honda Pilot Crashed Into a Tree
On the morning of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 34-year-old Lacey Duval, a Chico resident, was killed when the SUV in which she was a front-seat passenger sailed down an embankment and crashed into a tree. The tragic event took place at approximately 8:40 a.m., according to a report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The 2009 Honda Pilot was Ms. Duval’s vehicle, but she had let Christopher Carlisle, a 40-year-old Chico resident, drive it. He had a suspended license and was allegedly under the influence at the time of the crash.
Details of the Crash
Carlisle was driving west on Highway 70. He was traveling too fast for conditions when he took a left turn just east of C Road. The Pilot traveled up onto a dirt shoulder and Carlisle attempted to maneuver back onto the highway, at which time he lost control of the SUV and it careened into oncoming traffic. The Pilot then left the roadway on the south side and became airborne, traveling down a steep embankment and smashing into a large tree.
The Aftermath of the Crash
Carlisle was arrested at the scene, then transported by medical helicopter to Renown Regional Medical Center. He sustained moderate injuries. Lacey Duval, sadly, succumbed to her injuries.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below briefly explains claims for wrongful death.
CHP Seeks Witness Information
The investigation into this tragic fatal car crash is continuing and the CHP has requested that anyone with any information contact their Quincy office at (530) 283-1100.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
Mr. Carlisle has not yet been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The information available is that he is suspected to have been under the influence while driving and that he crashed the vehicle he was driving, which killed the passenger. If he is found to have been under the influence, he could face criminal charges under the California Penal Code.
Penal Code Section 191.5(b) outlines vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This offense occurs when someone drives under the influence and performs an additional negligent act which results in another person being killed. This section of the Penal Code is known as a “wobbler,” meaning the prosecutor can make the charge a misdemeanor with lighter consequences or a felony, which can result in more serious punishments. If a person is convicted of a felony under this section of the Penal Code, he or she could face a state prison term of up to four years.
Penal Code Section 191.5(b) deals with “ordinary” negligence combined with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. If there is evidence of gross negligence, the suspect may be charged under Penal Code Section 191.5(a), which is gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and the potential consequences could be more severe.
Variables that Could Affect a DUI Charge
There are many scenarios that could exist in a car crash that would be taken into consideration to determine whether the suspect would be charged with ordinary or gross negligence. Some examples of arguably gross negligence are:
- The impaired driver was texting and crashed into a pedestrian.
- The impaired driver was traveling at 100 mph when the car crashed.
- The impaired driver was weaving in and out of traffic and caused the collision.
Dashcam footage and witness testimony can help determine whether the impaired driver acted with gross negligence.
Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
Thank you for reading. We are saddened to report on this accident that claimed the life of Chico resident Lacey Duval. My name is Ed Smith, and I have been a personal injury attorney serving Chico, California residents for close to four decades. My law firm helps Northern Californians who have suffered due to accidents caused by recklessness and negligence. Sometimes we help the injured party. In other cases, we represent grieving families in their claim for wrongful death. In all instances, our clients can be confident that they have skilled injury lawyers on their side, protecting their rights and working to maximize their recoveries. To receive compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice, reach out to us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: pixabay
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