Paradise, CA (December 19, 2023) 83-year-old Josine Clara Brown was killed by a DUI driver in Paradise, according to authorities. James Slack, 47, was arrested for DUI following the fatal accident. It took place on the 9000 block of Skyway, the Paradise Police Department reported.
It happened on a late fall afternoon when Slack drifted into oncoming traffic on Skyward and crashed, head-on, with Brown’s car. Police officers arrived at the scene to find two vehicles blocking both lanes of traffic. A section of the road had to be closed for nearly 2 hours following the accident.
Have you or someone you care about been injured in a car accident? You can contact us anytime at 866-883-4318 or visit our online contact form here: Accident News Now. Someone is available 24/7 to help.
Paramedics hurried to help the injured and found that both Brown and Slack had sustained severe injuries in the crash. Both were loaded into ambulances and rushed to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.
Slack had been watching football and drinking just before the crash, officers reported. Officers determined that he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol and arrested Slack on suspicion of felony violation of driving under the influence, causing great bodily injury.
Later that same day, 83-year-old Brown succumbed to her injuries and passed away at the hospital. Because of her death, Slack now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxication, officers said.
Liability In Paradise 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 Paradise DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Josine Clara Brown. 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 Paradise? 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 866-883-4318.
