Malibu, CA (December 18, 2023) Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy, Castaneda, and his K9 partner were injured when a DUI driver hit them in Malibu. The collision occurred on Saturday, December 16th at approximately 8:40 p.m., according to authorities.
Reports indicate that the deputy and his K9 partner were heading toward Neptune’s Net in Malibu on a call about a suspicious person in a parking lot. The deputy was traveling south on the Pacific Coast Highway, not far from Deer Creek Road, when his police car was hit by a white Mercedes. The Mercedes was speeding down the Pacific Coast Highway, heading north, according to officers.
Officers had also received phone calls about a white Mercedes driving erratically at high speeds. When they received the call reporting that a vehicle had been involved in a collision with a deputy vehicle, they weren’t surprised to learn that it was the white Mercedes.
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Emergency crews arrived at the scene and found the sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway, dangling from rocks. The Mercedes was facing south in the northbound lanes with significant damage.
Thankfully, Deputy Castaneda was alive and alert. He was taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery. His K9 partner, 2-year-old Danny, received a minor cut to his face during the collision but is going to be just fine, authorities said.
The driver of the Mercedes that hit the deputy’s vehicle was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries they sustained. They were later arrested on suspicion of DUI, officers reported.
Liability In Malibu 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 Malibu DUI Car Accident
All of us here at Accident News Now extend well wishes to Deputy Castaneda as he heals from this 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 Malibu? 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 (866) 945-4286.