When someone makes the decision to drink and drive, he or she is putting lives in jeopardy. In some cases, a driver may not realize he or she has headed in the wrong direction on a highway. This action often leads to horrific accidents, causing serious injuries or deaths to the drivers and occupants of all vehicles involved.
According to the California Highway Patrol, an alleged wrong-way driver on the 210 Freeway crashed head-on into a 1992 Nissan 240SX. The Nissan’s driver, a 19-year-old from El Monte died at the scene of the accident. His 16-year-old girlfriend received moderate injuries.
The driver of the 1997 Honda Accord that struck the Nissan fled the accident scene. Police later located the 24-year-old man at his home in Duarte. He was arrested on charges of hit-and-run and driving while intoxicated after receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.
Officials believe that each vehicle was traveling about 75 mph when the accident occurred. Several of the victim’s friends were following the Nissan in other vehicles, as they had spent some time at Azusa Canyon.
When a car accident takes the life of a loved one or causes you serious injuries, you have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. While criminal charges are not required in order to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party, charges can help strengthen such a case. Claims might include those for medical or funeral expenses, emotional trauma, loss of income and loss of companionship, among others. There are time limits for filing a personal injury case in California, so it’s best to learn more about your legal options after such and accident.
Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune, “CHP: El Monte man killed by wrong-way DUI driver on 210 Freeway in Azusa” Brian Day, Aug. 09, 2014