Man Injured in Fresno County DUI Accident
The DUI crash occurred near Anchor and Floral avenues, CHP says
Updated April 13: The crash remains under investigation by the CHP. A 20-year-old man suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital on Wednesday evening after being struck by a Toyota pickup while riding a quad in Fresno County, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 6 p.m. near Anchor and Floral avenues between the quad and the Toyota pickup truck. The quad rider drove north on Anchor Avenue when he swerved into the southbound lane, colliding with the Toyota. The 20-year-old man was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries, police said. The driver of the Toyota was arrested for driving under the influence after the accident. Authorities have not yet released the arrested driver's name. The crash remains under investigation by the CHP.
The collision near Anchor and Floral avenues, involving a quad and a Toyota pickup, highlights the serious legal consequences that can follow a DUI arrest in an accident. After the crash, the driver of the Toyota was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
"What scares me about road safety is how alcohol-impaired deaths rose by a third in recent years," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "There's no excuse for it, as we've known for decades how impairment destroys a driver's ability to process hazards."
Bond also discussed the role of other substances in crashes. "It's a fact that drug impairment now rivals alcohol in many crash investigations," said Bond. "Reports show that THC is present in over a quarter of fatally injured drivers, and it isn't always easy to detect."
What charges can a driver face after a DUI crash in Fresno County?
A driver arrested for DUI after an accident in Fresno County could face charges ranging from vehicular manslaughter to murder, depending on the specifics of their driving history, level of intoxication, and whether they have prior DUI convictions.
What are the legal consequences for a driver arrested for DUI in California?
In California, a driver arrested for DUI faces both criminal penalties, which can include fines, jail time, and license suspension, and civil liability for damages caused by the collision. The penalties increase significantly if the DUI crash results in serious injury or death.
How do police test for impairment in a DUI investigation in California?
Police in California use field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and blood tests to determine impairment. While breathalyzers measure alcohol content, blood tests can detect a wider range of intoxicating substances, including drugs. Bond noted that breathalyzer results can sometimes be affected by factors other than consumed alcohol. "Here's what drivers don't understand about how breathalyzers actually measure the air in your lungs," Bond explained. "Residual alcohol from things like mouthwash or medical issues can spike a reading, even if you weren't legally over the limit."
California follows a pure comparative fault system. Injured parties may recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the incident.
Damages include economic losses (medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering, emotional distress).