California Injury Blog
A 24-year-old woman was killed and eight others were injured in a 10-vehicle car accident on the southbound 5 Freeway in Irvine early morning on Aug. 23. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, officials say the fatal crash that occurred near the Alton Parkway exit, was triggered by the actions of a suspected drunk driver, who was also injured but arrested. Firefighters arrived at the scene and found multiple victims.
Fatality and Injuries
The initial crash was between a Dodge Challenger driven by the DUI suspect and a Toyota Prius. California Highway Patrol officials say the Dodge had its hazard lights on and was speeding before the crash. Three of the injured victims were aged 11, 10 and 6 months. The infant was in the vehicle with the woman who died. Officials believe the deceased woman was the baby’s mother. The other children were in another vehicle. The two children along with five other adults were transported to an area hospital. The investigation is still ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the woman who was killed in this crash. We also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and full recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Dodge was under the influence of alcohol. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also against the law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
Those who have been injured by a DUI driver or have a lost a loved one in a DUI crash have legal rights. If you have been injured, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and emotional distress. If you have lost a loved one, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
An experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to help victims and their families hold the at-fault parties accountable and assist them with getting the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/08/23/10-vehicle-crash-on-5-freeway-in-irvine-kills-woman-injures-9-others-all-lanes-closed/