California Injury Blog
Two people were killed and three others were injured in a wrong-way crash possibly involving a DUI driver. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the crash happened early morning on March 30 on the northbound 110 Freeway near 9th Street. California Highway Patrol officials said that the driver of a Lexus SUV was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of the freeway when it collided with a Toyota Corolla with two people inside.
Ongoing Investigation
Both people in the Toyota died at the scene. One of them was identified by family members as 23-year-old Jasmine Hope De La Cruz from Bellflower. The man driving the SUV was trapped in the vehicle and taken to a hospital with serious injuries. A female passenger in the SUV and a child in the backseat suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The SUV’s driver was later arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the families of Jasmine Hope De La Cruz and the other victim who has not yet been identified. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV may have been under the influence when he was driving the wrong way on the freeway. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”
Our car accident attorneys often find that driving under the influence is one of the main reasons wrong-way crashes occur. These types of collisions, which usually occur head-on, result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/wrong-way-110-freeway-crash-downtown-los-angeles/2562082/