Two Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Irwindale

A high-speed car accident in Irwindale, which police said, involved a suspected DUI driver, left two people including an infant injured. According to a KTLA news report, the multivehicle collision occurred on eastbound Live Oak Avenue at the on-ramp of the southbound 605 Freeway the night of Jan. 19. Responding officers found that three vehicles were involved in the collision and one of the cars had overturned. An infant and one other person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

During their investigation, police determined that one of the drivers, 28-year-old Eric Vargas of Baldwin Park, was under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses also reported that his vehicle was traveling at 100 mph just before the crash. Vargas was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. He was transported to a local hospital and then arrested. The crash is still under investigation.

We are relieved to note that no one suffered life-threatening injuries in this high-speed crash for which the consequences could have been much worse. We wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and full recovery.

Violation of Laws

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, in this case, officials say the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed – about 100 mph — on a surface street, clearly violating the speed limit on that roadway.

California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”

Liability Issues

In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims of DUI crashes can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

An experienced DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to stay on top of the investigation and make sure victims’ and their families’ rights are protected every step of the way. A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to help them secure maximum compensation and financially pursue the DUI driver to hold him or her accountable.

Source: https://ktla.com/2020/01/20/alleged-dui-driver-was-going-100-mph-before-irwindale-crash-that-injured-2-including-infant-police-witnesses/