Drunk driving may have caused fatal injury to passenger in crash near Hotel del Coronado

California – July 29, 2022

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of United States car crash fatalities involve drunk drivers. A  26-year-old woman suffered fatal injury after a possible DUI-related car crash near the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego according to law enforcement. The single vehicle accident occurred in the 1100 block of Orange Avenue while the victim was riding in the back seat of a white sedan driven by a 20-year-old man seated next to a 20-year-old woman in the front seat, both of whom were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators suspect intoxication and speed were factors in the fatal crash.

DUI impacts civil case.

Driving while intoxicated is a criminal act that comes with stringent penalties, and jail time in many cases.  The negligent party will face criminal charges from the State of California and civil legal action to compensate  victims for property damage and physical injury caused by the accident.  Victims who have suffered loss caused by a reckless, drunk driver should talk to a car accident attorney to build a case for damage recovery. In the case for DUI, responsibility in a personal injury case will be determined by the judge or jury after it is proven that the plaintiff was negligent, and the plaintiff’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injuries and damages leading to a wrongful death action.

California fault state. 

Driving under the influence is a negligent driver action in the State of California where 3,558 fatal car crashes were reported in 2020. California is a “fault” state and victims can bring a claim against responsible parties before they file a claim with their own “no-fault” insurance when they suffer personal injury, property damage, and death.  Car accident victims, or their families may initiate legal action, or file wrongful death claims when an injured party dies because of the accident named in formal claims within California’s set timeline of two years.

Recoverable compensation.

Damages include compensation for replacement, or repair of property, costs incurred from medical professionals treating injuries, lost wages, changes in lifestyle, pain and suffering and wrongful death claims due to personal injury loss. Because the compensation will be based on the award set by a court of law, it is important to keep complete and accurate records of all expenses incurred due to the car accident.

Hire a lawyer.

A skilled personal injury attorney can guide victim’s actions and work with multiple insurance companies and attorneys to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.  A DUI charge will impact a negligence defense for these types of car accidents in support of accident victims and surviving loved ones. The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, and their experienced accident attorneys can assist with insurance claims and formal litigation efforts toward a comprehensive damage award.

Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation

501 West Broadway, Suite 1650

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-233-8021

Fax: 619-233-3730

Sources:

1. https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2022/07/29/woman-25-killed-in-possible-dui-related-car-crash-near-hotel-del-coronado/
2. Law section (ca.gov)