Stockton, CA — An 86-year-old man died early Sunday morning, January 5, 2024, in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver on Interstate 5, according to CBS13.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the collision occurred around 2:05 AM near Turner Road.
The victim, a Stockton resident driving a 2003 Honda Civic, was heading southbound in the number two lane. A 29-year-old man, also from Stockton, was driving a 2012 Toyota Camry in the same lane at a high speed when he rear-ended the Honda, CHP reported.
The impact sent the Honda off the roadway, where it overturned and came to rest on its roof down an embankment along the west shoulder of I-5. The Toyota spun out, stopping partially in the lane and shoulder.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the Honda’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP has identified alcohol as a suspected factor in the crash. The Camry driver was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
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.”
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.
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.
