San Diego, CA (November 26, 2023) A 44-year-old Ramona woman was killed in a head-on crash on State Route 78 in San Diego on Saturday, November 25th, according to the California Highway Patrol. The fatal crash occurred around 7:30 a.m., just west of Weekend Villa Road.
The woman was driving a 2007 Ford Edge SUV, heading west of State Route 78, authorities said. At the same time, a 26-year-old man, also from Ramona, was driving a 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck, heading east. The Ford F-350 crossed into opposing traffic and crashed into the SUV, head-on. The force of the crash caused the SUV to roll down an embankment, north of the highway.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and found the woman inside her SUV, unresponsive. Paramedics were prepared to perform life-saving measures, but instead, had to pronounce the woman dead at the scene. A medical examiner was called and a tow truck had to haul her SUV from the scene following the investigation.
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The driver of the F-350 pickup got out of his vehicle and fled the scene on foot, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was eventually found at his house in Ramona. Officers arrested him at his residence on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
The crash caused authorities to close both the westbound and eastbound lanes of State Route 78 for a while to clean the scene of debris and glass and to investigate the accident.
Liability In San Diego DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Diego DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this DUI collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in San Diego? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.