A devastating collision in Clovis early Sunday morning, December 1st, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light at high speed. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Fowler and Gettysburg avenues shortly after 2 a.m., serves as a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving.
Details of the Crash
According to Clovis police, the suspected DUI driver was travelling westbound on Gettysburg Avenue in a Hyundai at excessive speeds when they failed to stop at a red light. The vehicle collided with another Hyundai legally proceeding through the intersection southbound on Fowler Avenue with a green light.
The impact force caused both vehicles to spin out of control, striking three parked vehicles in nearby residential driveways. The chain reaction crash involved a total of five vehicles, creating a scene of widespread destruction.
Casualties and Injuries
The collision resulted in:
- One fatality: a female passenger in the victim’s vehicle
- Critical injuries to the driver of the victim’s vehicle
- Multiple injuries to the suspected DUI driver and two passengers
- Injuries to both occupants of the vehicle that was struck
Emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance at the scene before transporting the injured parties to local hospitals.
The devastating collision resulted in multiple severe casualties, with one family suffering an irreplaceable loss. A female passenger in the victim’s vehicle lost her life at the scene, while the driver of that same vehicle remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
The suspected DUI driver and their two passengers sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention. In total, first responders treated and transported five injured individuals to nearby hospitals. This incident underscores the far-reaching impact of one person’s decision to drive under the influence, forever changing multiple lives in a matter of seconds.
Prevention and Community Impact
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of:
- Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using rideshare services or designated drivers when drinking
- Being vigilant on the roads, especially during late-night hours
- Supporting local law enforcement efforts to prevent DUI incidents
The Clovis community has been deeply affected by this preventable tragedy, highlighting the ongoing need for public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
This tragic incident has galvanized the Clovis community into action, spurring renewed focus on DUI prevention efforts. Local bars and restaurants are strengthening their designated driver programs and partnering with ride-share services to offer discounted rides. Community leaders have initiated a “Safe Roads Clovis” campaign, emphasizing personal responsibility and providing resources for substance abuse treatment.
The impact of this devastating crash continues to resonate throughout the community, serving as a sobering reminder that drunk driving prevention requires vigilance, education, and a commitment from every resident to make responsible choices. Schools and local organizations are also implementing enhanced educational programs to ensure the next generation understands the grave consequences of impaired driving.
Legal Implications
This incident highlights several serious legal issues that commonly arise in DUI cases:
- Criminal Charges: The suspected DUI driver likely faces severe criminal charges, potentially including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which carries significant prison time in California.
- Civil Liability: Beyond criminal charges, the at-fault driver may face substantial civil liability, including:
- Wrongful death claims from the deceased victim’s family
- Personal injury claims from all injured parties
- Property damage claims for the vehicles involved
- Multiple Victim Considerations: With multiple injured parties, cases like this often involve complex insurance issues and the potential need to pursue additional assets to ensure fair compensation for all victims.
The legal ramifications of this tragic DUI collision extend far beyond initial criminal charges. The suspected impaired driver faces potential felony charges including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which in California can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
Additionally, multiple civil lawsuits are likely to emerge, as victims and their families seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Given the number of victims involved, insurance policy limits may be quickly exhausted, potentially leading to complex litigation involving multiple insurance carriers and the personal assets of the responsible party.
The driver may also face license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and significant fines – though these administrative penalties pale in comparison to the human cost of their actions.
Impact on Victims and Families
The ripple effects of drunk driving accidents extend far beyond the immediate crash. Victims and their families often face:
- Overwhelming medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Permanent lifestyle changes due to injuries
- Funeral expenses and loss of financial support for the deceased victim’s family
The ripple effects of this tragic DUI collision have devastated multiple families across the Clovis community. Beyond the immediate loss of life and physical injuries, victims and their loved ones face overwhelming emotional trauma and financial burdens. Medical bills continue to mount, while lost wages strain household budgets. The family who lost their loved one must now navigate the painful process of funeral arrangements while grappling with their profound grief.
For those who survived but suffered serious injuries, the road to recovery may involve extensive rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and potential long-term disabilities that will forever alter their daily lives. The psychological impact of such a traumatic event often extends to extended family members, friends, and even first responders who witnessed the aftermath of this preventable tragedy.
Legal Resources for Victims
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options. An experienced personal injury attorney can help:
- Navigate complex insurance claims
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Handle wrongful death claims
- Ensure all responsible parties are held accountable
In the aftermath of this devastating DUI collision, it’s crucial for victims and their families to understand they don’t have to navigate the complex legal landscape alone. Experienced personal injury attorneys, like GJEL specializing in DUI cases, can help protect their rights and pursue fair compensation while they focus on recovery. Legal professionals can manage insurance negotiations, document damages, coordinate with medical providers, and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Many attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning victims don’t pay unless they recover compensation. Additionally, victim advocacy organizations and the California Victim Compensation Board can provide resources and support for immediate expenses, including medical care, mental health services, and funeral costs. Time limits apply for filing claims, so affected families need to seek legal guidance promptly to preserve their rights.
Fatal car accident settlement calculators serve as crucial analytical tools in determining fair compensation, though they should be viewed as starting points rather than definitive answers. These calculators incorporate multiple variables including the deceased’s age, income, life expectancy, dependent support obligations, medical expenses before death, funeral costs, and potential future earnings.
They also factor in less quantifiable elements such as loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of household services. The importance of these calculators lies in their ability to provide an objective baseline for negotiations while considering both economic and non-economic damages.
However, it’s essential to understand that each case is unique, and experienced attorneys often use these calculations alongside other evidence and circumstances to advocate for maximum compensation. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has spent decades representing victims of DUI accidents, my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic Clovis collision. The trauma of such an event extends far beyond physical injuries, and I understand the overwhelming burden you and your families are facing. It’s crucial to focus on your recovery while also protecting your legal rights. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, but the full extent of injuries and long-term impacts often take time to become apparent. I strongly encourage all victims and their families to seek experienced legal counsel before accepting any settlement offers. Having handled numerous similar cases, I can assure you that understanding your rights and options is essential for securing the compensation you’ll need for medical care, lost wages, and other damages. My team and I are here to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been affected by the recent tragic DUI collision in Clovis or a similar incident, GJEL Accident Attorneys are here to help. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of drunk driving accidents and their families.
We understand the profound impact these accidents have on lives and work tirelessly to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with insurance companies to pursuing maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims.
Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our San Jose office to learn how we can help you navigate this difficult time and secure the justice you deserve.
Here are important local resources and contact information for those affected by or seeking information about this incident:
Clovis Police Department
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 324-2800
- Traffic Division: (559) 324-2415
- Address: 1233 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612
- Website: www.cityofclovis.com/police
Additional Important Resources:
- Clovis Police Department Traffic Unit (for accident reports): (559) 324-2400
- Clovis Police Records Division: (559) 324-2850
- California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office: (559) 705-2200
- Fresno County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services: (559) 600-3400
For accident reports or case updates:
- Visit the Clovis Police Department in person at 1233 Fifth Street
- Submit an online request through the City of Clovis website
- Call the Records Division at (559) 324-2850
To report additional information about this incident:
- Contact Clovis PD Traffic Investigation Unit: (559) 324-2415
- Anonymous tips can be submitted through Valley Crime Stoppers:
- Phone: (559) 498-STOP (7867)
- Online: www.valleycrimestoppers.org
For victims seeking support services:
- Fresno County Victim Services: (559) 600-3400
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Central California: (559) 264-6233
Remember to document all accident-related information and keep copies of any police reports, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. These will be vital for any legal proceedings or insurance claims.
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.