Indio, CA (December 21, 2023) Martin Gutierrez, 53, lost his life on Tuesday, December 19th, in a car crash in Indio. 36-year-old Alexander Frank Ortega was arrested on suspicion of murder following the accident.
The fatal collision occurred on Indio Springs Parkway, just east of Golf Center Parkway, according to the Indio Police Department. Reports indicate that a white GMC pickup truck was driving west on Indio Springs Parkway when, for reasons unknown, it crossed into oncoming traffic. Indio Police Department Spokesperson, Ben Guitron, told City News Service that the pickup then hit a white Saturn Sedan, driven by Gutierrez.
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Guitron said that the collision was a “pretty serious accident.” Both Gutierrez and the female passenger in his vehicle were trapped and had to be extricated from the car by Indio firefighters. The two were rushed to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio to receive treatment for serious injuries they sustained during the collision.
Martin Gutierrez succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital and was pronounced dead just before 10;30 p.m., the coroner’s office reported. Ortega was detained on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
Officers had to close an area of Indio Springs Parkway so crews could clean the area of glass and debris and so the Indio Police Department Traffic Team could investigate. The investigation is still ongoing, according to Guitron.
Liability In Indio 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 An Indio DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Martin Gutierrez during this time of loss. 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 Indio? 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.