Fresno County, CA – Michelle Lawrence, a 28-year-old Fresno resident, lost her life in a suspected DUI collision Saturday evening, January 4, 2024, that also injured four others, including a 9-year-old girl, according to The Fresno Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident took place around 8:30 PM at the intersection of Floral and Willow Avenues.
According to investigations, 24-year-old Saul Galvez Diaz was driving a Toyota east on Floral Avenue when he crossed the center line while attempting a left turn onto Willow Avenue. His vehicle collided head-on with a westbound Nissan driven by a 61-year-old woman, whose identity has not yet been released.
Lawrence, who was seated in the Toyota’s front passenger seat, sustained critical injuries. She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
A 9-year-old girl seated in the Toyota’s rear seat suffered major injuries, and Galvez Diaz sustained moderate injuries. Both also received treatment at Community Regional Medical Center.
The Nissan’s driver and her right-front passenger suffered moderate injuries as well and were transported to the hospital. Their names have not been released.
CHP confirmed that Galvez Diaz was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and will be booked into the Fresno County Jail upon his discharge from the hospital.
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 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.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a Personal Injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
However, insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims. That’s why having a knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to securing proper compensation for your injuries.
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.
