Fresno County, CA – A suspected DUI collision claimed the life of a man and left several others injured near Orange Cove on Saturday night, October 19, 2024, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene just after 11:00 PM at the intersection of Manning and Hill Avenues just outside of Orange Cove in Fresno County.
Authorities say a 24-year-old man was driving a Honda Civic eastbound on Manning Avenue when he rear-ended a Honda Accord that had been stopped at a posted stop sign. The force of the collision caused the Accord to burst into flames.
The male driver of the Accord, unable to escape the burning vehicle, tragically lost his life at the scene. A female passenger was pulled from the car and rushed to the hospital with moderate to severe injuries.
The area where the crash occurred, a rural stretch of road lined with farmland, is often quiet at night, making the incident all the more shocking to locals. Manning Avenue is a key route connecting nearby communities like Orange Cove, and the intersection is known for its visibility, which raised concerns about how the crash unfolded.
After rear-ending the Accord, the Civic also struck a third vehicle, which was stopped on the opposite side of the intersection. The driver of the third vehicle sustained minor head injuries, while a passenger escaped without visible harm.
The three passengers in the Civic, all men, were taken to the hospital with moderate to major injuries. The driver of the Civic, who also suffered moderate injuries, was arrested at the scene and will be booked on charges of DUI pending his release from medical care.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death or injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
