Santa Cruz, CA — Authorities have identified Todd Carter as the driver involved in a suspected DUI crash on Tuesday afternoon, November 26, 2024, near Windham Street and Seabright Avenue that left both him and his female passenger critically injured, according to KSBW.
The accident occurred shortly after 2 PM when the vehicle Carter was driving collided with a tree on a residential street. Emergency responders transported Carter and the unidentified female passenger to a local hospital, where they were listed in critical condition. Despite the severity of their injuries, both are expected to survive.
Santa Cruz Police have stated that Carter was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. The name of the female passenger has not yet been released.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is urged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department as the investigation continues.
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.”
Single-Vehicle Collisions and Passenger Liability
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility.
California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages. A personal injury attorney can play a critical role in sorting through these details to help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death 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.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
