A woman using a wheelchair was killed after being struck by a DUI pickup truck driver in Santa Paula on Wednesday afternoon, August 16, 2023.

The Santa Paula Police Department responded to the Accident at Steckel Drive and Harvard Boulevard intersection around 2:00 a.m.

The woman was crossing Harvard Boulevard northbound on Steckel Drive while a pickup truck traveling westbound on Harvard turned right onto Steckel. The woman was hit by the driver, who then dragged and trapped her under the truck.

The injured woman sustained significant injuries. A life-saving procedure was performed by medical personnel after freeing the woman from the wreckage.

An ambulance was initially dispatched to Ventura County Medical Center. However, due to the severity of her injuries, she was later flown to Los Angeles in critical condition. The patient died shortly after being hospitalized.

The victim was a 68-year-old woman identified as Vickie S. The driver is described as a 31-year-old man who has not yet been identified. They were both from Santa Paula.

A felony DUI charge causing significant bodily injury was filed against the driver during his arrest. Additional charges will be filed once toxicology results and further investigation are available.

DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in Santa Paula, Ventura County

Those who suffer injuries in collisions brought on by drunk drivers (DUI) may file a lawsuit to recover damages for their injuries. These victims frequently experience financial burdens from lost income, medical costs, and other related problems.

Our group of experienced attorneys for Dui Accident victims is committed to supporting and aiding DUI accident victims. If someone chooses to drive a car, they should be held accountable for their actions. Intoxicated drivers must be held accountable because they endanger road safety.

You can rely on our most trusted Ventura County DUI accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a DUI Accident

The damage caused by a DUI accident can be both physical and psychological. What actions should you take to safeguard your safety and defend your rights following the incident? Following a DUI-related accident, this guide explains what you should do, whether you were injured or a loved one was killed.

1. Do Not Admit or Accept the Blame: It’s important to avoid accepting or admitting fault for the accident, as this could harm your case and affect your ability to receive compensation for damages.
2. Do Not Make a Statement: Avoid making any statements about the incident without consulting with an attorney, as these statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
3. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations: Avoid settling too early, as this could result in a lower compensation amount. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of your damages before considering any settlement offers.
4. Sign Documents only after consulting with an attorney to protect your rights before signing any documents.
5. Work Through Your California drunk driving accident victim lawyer: Work with an experienced DUI accident lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and represent you in court if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, whether they are lawfully prescribed medications, illegal substances, or marijuana, is a crime with severe legal and financial consequences. For first-time offenders, the associated costs can reach up to $10,000; in California, an offense is estimated to cost approximately $13,500.

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, disturbingly, in 2018, 42% of drivers involved in fatal accidents tested positive for drugs, and this percentage continues to rise each year.

The Office of Traffic Safety and various stakeholders are actively collaborating to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving to reduce injuries and fatalities on California’s roads.