Author: Andy Gillin Oct 22, 2024
Fatal DUI Crash Near Orange Cove Results in One Death, Multiple Injuries 1

A devastating collision in Fresno County has claimed one life and left several others injured in what authorities are investigating as a DUI-related crash. The incident occurred on Saturday night near Orange Cove, highlighting the ongoing dangers of impaired driving on California roads.

Incident Details

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash took place just after 11:00 p.m. at the intersection of Manning and Hill Avenues. A vehicle occupied by a man and woman was properly stopped at a stop sign on Manning Avenue when tragedy struck. A 24-year-old driver, allegedly operating his vehicle under the influence, failed to slow down and violently rear-ended the stopped vehicle, causing it to burst into flames.

The male driver of the stopped vehicle succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while his female passenger sustained serious injuries requiring immediate hospitalization. The incident didn’t end there – the impaired driver’s vehicle continued on to strike a second car containing two occupants, though they fortunately sustained only minor injuries.

Multiple Victims

The toll of this tragic incident includes:

  • One fatality (male driver of the first vehicle struck)
  • One seriously injured victim (female passenger of the first vehicle)
  • Two people with minor injuries (occupants of the second vehicle struck)
  • Three passengers from the suspect’s vehicle required hospitalization
  • The 24-year-old suspect himself, who sustained minor injuries

Legal Consequences

The 24-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. In California, DUI causing death can be charged as gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated or even second-degree murder, depending on the circumstances. These charges carry severe penalties, including significant prison time.

In California, DUI cases involving fatalities carry severe penalties. The 24-year-old driver faces potential charges ranging from gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated to second-degree murder (also known as “Watson Murder”). If convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the defendant could face 4-10 years in state prison. However, if charged with DUI second-degree murder, which prosecutors may pursue if the driver had prior DUI convictions or education, the sentence could increase to 15 years to life in prison. Additional charges may include DUI causing injury and hit-and-run, each carrying their own significant penalties including fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.

Legal Rights of Victims

Victims of DUI accidents and their families have substantial legal rights under California law. They can pursue compensation through civil claims against the impaired driver, separate from any criminal proceedings. These claims can cover immediate medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity. In cases involving fatalities, surviving family members may file wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. 

California also allows victims to seek punitive damages in DUI cases, which can significantly increase the compensation awarded. Additionally, victims may have claims against establishments that over-served alcohol to the impaired driver under certain circumstances through “dram shop” laws. It’s crucial for victims to understand that these civil rights exist independently of any criminal case against the drunk driver.

Victims of DUI accidents and their families have legal rights that extend beyond criminal prosecution. They may be entitled to compensation through civil claims for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death damages
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

Prevention and Community Impact

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Despite years of public education and enforcement efforts, DUI remains a serious problem on California roads. Community members are urged to:

  • Always plan ahead for a sober ride
  • Use ride-sharing services or designated drivers
  • Report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement
  • Never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver

Suppose you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal drunk driving accident in Fresno County or anywhere in California. In that case, the experienced attorneys at GJEL are here to help. Our award-winning legal team has recovered millions in compensation for DUI accident victims and their families. We understand the devastating impact these accidents have on lives and work tirelessly to hold drunk drivers accountable. 

Fatal car accident settlement calculators serve as crucial preliminary tools for families facing the aftermath of a fatal car accident, though they should never replace professional legal consultation. At GJEL, we’ve found that having this initial framework helps families make more informed decisions about their legal options and better understand why thorough documentation of all damages is essential. 

However, it’s critical to note that while calculators provide baseline estimates, they can’t capture the full complexity of each unique case, especially in DUI fatalities where punitive damages may significantly increase the final settlement. The true value of these tools lies in their ability to help families and attorneys begin constructive discussions about fair compensation while ensuring no important damage categories are overlooked during settlement negotiations. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney and visit our Richmond office.

Our track record speaks for itself – we’ve maintained a 99% success rate and recovered over $950 million for our clients. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or fill out our online form to speak with a compassionate DUI accident attorney who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this tragic accident near Orange Cove. As someone who has worked with DUI accident victims for over 40 years, I understand the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing. While you focus on healing, protecting your legal rights is crucial. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick settlement, but the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs might not be immediately apparent. Our team at GJEL has extensive experience handling similar cases in Fresno County, and we’re here to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. If you or a family member were involved in this accident, please don’t hesitate to ask for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the legal process while you concentrate on what matters most – your recovery.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney

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add resources and links to the Fresno CA Police Department or the Traffic Authority

Important Resources for DUI Accident Victims in Fresno County

Local Law Enforcement & Traffic Resources:

Accident Report Requests:

Additional Support Resources:

Remember: In emergency situations, always dial 911. For accident reports or non-emergency assistance, use the appropriate non-emergency numbers listed above.

Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.