On Aug. 12, two 18-year-old men were killed in a suspected drunk driving accident on Highway 24 in Walnut Creek according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash also injured two 18-year-old women.
Authorities say that the driver, a female Antioch resident, was driving a Honda east on Highway 24 around 4 a.m. when she veered off the road near the Interstate 680 interchange. The car rolled over and landed on Boulevard Circle. Two male passengers died in the crash. The driver and a female passenger, an Oakley resident, suffered severe injuries and were transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for treatment.
The driver was arrested and charged with felony manslaughter in connection with the deaths of the two male passengers. She was additionally charged with multiple counts of felony DUI for causing injuries to the female passenger. The crash remains under investigation.
Police officers investigate the scene of all major accidents to determine a cause of the crash. Injured victims may use the results of this investigation as the basis for a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. For example, if police determine that a drunk driver was responsible for a crash, a victim’s lawyer might obtain the crash investigation report and toxicology results to prove that the driver is legally liable for the accident. As a result, the victim may be awarded financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other related damages. Costa Mesa auto accident injury lawyers may review a victim’s case and help gather the necessary documentation. Legal counsel may also be able to negotiate with the driver’s insurance company or opposing counsel to arrange a fair settlement.
Source: NBC Bay Area, “2 Teens Killed, 3 Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Walnut Creek,” Aug. 12, 2018