Santa Rosa, CA (October 14, 2023) Jaden Pruett Steed, 21, was arrested on Friday, October 13th, for DUI that killed 1 teenage girl and seriously injured 2 other people. Authorities are calling a horrendous crash that occurred near Spring Lake around 10:15 p.m.
Steed was driving west at a high rate of speed on a narrow section of Montgomery Drive that follows the creek, according to Authorities. There was a slight curve in the road and Steed lost control. The vehicle flew through the air and broke a tree branch before it hit the ground, hard, and rolled multiple times down the embankment. It came to a stop, upright, in the creek.
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Steed and the 17-year-old passenger in the left-rear backseat were able to climb out of the vehicle. The passenger in the front seat, age 19, sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. The 4th occupant, the passenger in the right rear seat, a 17-year-old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Steed sustained minor injuries in the collision and was arrested and later booked into the Sonoma County Jail for suspicion of driving under the influence and causing injury to others, driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 and injuring others, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Liability In Santa Rosa 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 Rosa DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the 17-year-old girl killed in 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 Santa Rosa? 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.