Long Beach, CA (October 29, 2023) An ambulance was rear-ended in Long Beach by Christian Castillas, resulting in the death of his passenger. The Long Beach Fire Department said the fatal collision occurred not long after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 29th. 27-year-old Castillas was arrested at the scene for driving while intoxicated.
Castillas was driving a 2018 Honda Civic on the northbound 710 Freeway when he rear-ended a Long Beach Fire Department BLS Unit at Seventh Street. Castillas then lost control of the Honda and crashed into the center median of the freeway.
Have you or someone you know been injured in an accident? Reach out to us at any time at 844-966-0965
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and found Castillas with non-life-threatening injuries. They discovered that the passenger in this vehicle, described only as a woman, was killed in the collision. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Castillas was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for the injuries he sustained in the accident.
No one inside the ambulance that was hit was injured in this collision, according to authorities.
Officers at the scene noticed that Castillas appeared intoxicated following the collision. Authorities eventually took Castillas into custody and arrested him on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony driving under the influence causing bodily injury. Bail was set at $100,000 for Casillas, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Liability In Long Beach DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Long Beach DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Long Beach? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
