(San Diego, CA) The driver of a Honda Civic sustained life-threatening injuries in a Carmel Valley Road DUI crash in San Diego.
On Saturday, August 23, at 12:19 a.m., the Carmel Valley Road DUI crash occurred. According to San Diego Police Officer David O’Brien, it happened in the 15000 block of Carmel Valley Road.
When police investigated, they learned a man drove a Honda Civic eastbound on the Carmel Valley. Authorities determined he drove at a high rate of speed. While speeding, the Civic drifted to the right, onto the sidewalk. The driver lost control, resulting in driving onto the eastbound lane and toward the center median, O’Brien said.
Immediately after crashing into a tree, the Civic continued into the westbound lanes. Then, the driver crashed into a Honda Accord, driven by an 18-year-old man. By the time first responders arrived, they found the Civic driver with life-threatening brain injuries and several fractures. Paramedics transported the victim to a hospital by ambulance. According to O’Brien, police determined alcohol played a role in the Carmel Valley Road DUI crash. The condition of the Accord driver is unknown.
Legal Opinion on the Carmel Valley Road DUI Crash
The Carmel Valley Road DUI Crash highlights the extreme dangers of driving under the influence and speeding. Police determined alcohol played a role in the crash. That alone makes this a serious offense under California Vehicle Code 23153. This law makes it a felony to drive under the influence and cause injury. The Civic driver’s excessive speed points to a violation of VEH 22350, the “Basic Speed Law”. This code requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a safe speed based on traffic conditions, even if they stay under the posted limit. Speeding, while under the influence, greatly increases the likelihood of losing control, especially near medians or sidewalks. The fact that the Civic driver suffered life-threatening brain injuries and multiple fractures show how violent the crash was.
What the Other Driver Can Do
If the 18-year-old Honda Accord driver suffered any injuries he has the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the Civic driver. That claim can help cover medical bills, future treatment, emotional distress, and any vehicle repair or replacement costs. A personal injury attorney can help by obtaining the police report on the Carmel Valley Road DUI crash. They can also obtain toxicology results, photos from the crash scene, and potential traffic camera footage. If the Civic driver faces DUI-related criminal charges, that will only strengthen the civil case of the Accord driver.
Even if the Accord driver is still recovering or unable to take action right away, it’s important that his family preserve any evidence or witness statements. An attorney can help make sure the legal process starts on solid ground. If the Civic driver chose to drive drunk and at reckless speeds, the law would hold him accountable.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
