Santa Cruz, CA (November 28, 2023) Two people were injured and 61-year-old Barry Belcher was arrested for DUI following a collision in Santa Cruz on Friday, November 24th. The Santa Cruz Police Department said that the accident took place on the Murray Street Bridge.
Authorities reported that a woman was struck by the car and a man ended up going over the side of the Murray Street Bridge in an attempt to not get hit by Belcher’s car. The Santa Cruz Police Department stated that the man was rescued by officers from below the bridge and paramedics rushed him to a local trauma center to receive treatment.
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The woman who was hit by Belcher’s car was also taken to a local hospital for treatment for injuries she sustained during the collision. The status of the victims’ conditions has not been updated.
Officers said Belcher was behaving as if he was under the influence of drugs. Upon further investigation, they learned that he had lost consciousness, due to drugs, while driving his vehicle. This led to the collision on the Murray Street Bridge in Santa Cruz.
Barry Belcher was arrested at the scene for driving while under the influence of drugs, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department. He is also facing felony charges of drug possession.
Liability In Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the two people injured in this Murray Street Bridge 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 Santa Cruz? 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.