San Benito County, CA — According to KSBW, a tragic crash on Sunday, November 17, 2024, resulted in the death of 39-year-old David Muigia of Fresno, and injuries to three others, including the driver, 27-year-old Gabriel Lopez, also from Fresno.
The group of four was driving a Can-Am Maverick UTV on New Idria Road, located about 80 miles southeast of Hollister, when the accident occurred. Authorities reported that Lopez, who was driving the UTV, failed to negotiate a turn and struck a large drainage ditch. The vehicle went airborne before landing on its wheels.
Muigia, a passenger in the UTV, was killed in the crash. Lopez, along with two other passengers, was injured. Two of them were hospitalized following the incident.
Lopez was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence and was booked into the San Benito County Jail. The crash is under investigation as authorities work to determine the full details of what led to the tragic accident.
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.
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.
