Curvy, two-lane roads around Stanislaus County can carry extreme hazards when reckless drivers start making mistakes from behind the wheel. That recklessness can include a driver traveling at high speeds, driving aggressively, or choosing to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Reckless motorists can endanger anyone unfortunate enough to be driving nearby, but a DUI driver presents unique hazards. They are impaired and that means their actions can be abrupt and will probably be very unpredictable. Safe drivers may not get any warning of an impending collision until it’s too late.
One mistake, like a failure to notice a stop sign, or a swerve into someone else’s lane can lead to a devastating impact. These errors can cause severe injuries and in the worst instances, even claim lives.
Head-On DUI Collision Claims A Life in Stanislaus County
A driver lost his life and a passenger was badly hurt in a collision in northeast Stanislaus County Tuesday evening. The Modesto Bee reported the accident happened around 7 p.m. east of Oakdale along Orange Blossom Road on May 18, 2021.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash occurred near Lancaster Road when a Chevrolet Silverado pickup traveling south veered into the northbound lane to strike a Chevrolet Tahoe.
The driver of the Tahoe, a 78-year-old man from Oakdale, was tragically killed in the impact. His passenger, a 78-year-old woman, was rushed to the hospital with injuries and is said to be in critical condition. One passenger in the pickup suffered major injuries. Another passenger suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the truck, a 23-year-old man from Oakdale, also suffered serious injuries. He has been arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. CHP investigators believe alcohol was a factor in his actions.
Help for Victims and Families After a Stanislaus County Accident
In the blink of an eye, victims can be left to recover from the effects of a frightening crash. Families can also be forced to mourn the loss of a loved one. The physical, emotional, and financial costs of a tragedy on local roads can be overwhelming. Those consequences should never have to be faced alone when another driver is to blame.
For surviving victims of a terrible crash, compensation is available through a claim for damages filed against the at-fault driver’s car insurance coverage. The insurance company can be asked to help with expenses like hospital and emergency transport bills and not just current bills. Any care anticipated to be needed in the months to come should also be covered in full. The loss of income, while a victim misses valuable time at work, should also factor into an insurance settlement.
This coverage is also available to any victims who were passengers who were hurt while riding in the at-fault driver’s vehicle. Victims may feel conflicted over filing a claim against a driver they know personally, but claims generally target insurance companies, not the drivers themselves. Responsible drivers should want the victims of their accident to receive the help they need to recover.
For families who have lost a beloved member, nothing will bring back the love and support the victim provided. It is important to make sure the family is not unfairly targeted by the costs that arise after a fatal accident. A family member may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver’s insurance company to ask for support for things like funeral and burial expenses, emergency response fees, and estate settlement costs. This civil claim can move forward even as a DUI suspect faces a criminal trial. The two cases will proceed separately.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Stanislaus County
After you or a loved one ends up the victim of a reckless driver, it’s important to know every benefit provided to victims and their families. Talk to an attorney with Maison Law serving Turlock and Modesto to find out how best to protect yourself and your family after a terrible accident.
Insurance companies can work to minimize the support victims and their loved ones receive, but a personal injury lawyer can make sure families receive the assistance they need at such a vulnerable time. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.
