Fresno, CA (November 5, 2023) A man was killed in a wrong-way DUI crash in Fresno on Saturday morning, November 4th, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision occurred on Highway 180 not far from Armstrong Avenue shortly before 12:30 a.m. Vikash Kumar, 30, was arrested for DUI following the collision.
Vikash Kumar was driving the wrong way in the westbound lanes of Highway 180 in his white Honda Civic. At the same time, a 33-year-old was heading west on Highway 180 in a Buick Enclave. Suddenly, Kumar tried to make a U-turn in the middle of the highway. Officers believe he realized the was going the wrong-way and tried to correct himself with the U-turn. As he made the U-turn, he collided with the Buick.
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Reports indicate the Buick crashed into the Honda on the passenger side of the vehicle. Kumar was critically injured in the collision and his passenger sustained fatal injuries.
The California Highway Patrol was on the scene within minutes and called for paramedics. Kumar was taken to Community Medical Center with serious injuries. His passenger was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
After Kumar was released from the hospital, he was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail. He was charged with driving under the influence and felony manslaughter, according to the Fresno Police Department.
There were no reports of injuries from the Buick that was involved in this wrong-way crash.
Officers had to shut down all westbound lanes on Highway 180 to clear the scene. A two truck was called to remove Kumar’s vehicle from the roadway and crews worked to clean the area of glass and debris from the collision.
Liability In Fresno 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 Fresno DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the passenger killed in this wrong-way crash. 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 Fresno? 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.