San Joaquin County, CA (March 16, 2025) – A suspected drunk driving crash on Highway 12 left three people dead and two others injured Sunday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol reported that a Ford Fiesta carrying five passengers lost control near the Highway 88 split around 3:40 p.m. and was broadsided by a Toyota Tacoma.
Incident Details: Authorities say the Ford Fiesta was traveling eastbound when the driver lost control. The impact of the crash killed the driver, a 25-year-old woman, as well as two male passengers, both 25 years old. None of the Fiesta’s occupants were wearing seatbelts. Two additional passengers in the Fiesta were transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. The driver of the Tacoma, a 55-year-old man, sustained minor injuries. Both directions of Highway 12 and Highway 88 were closed for several hours following the crash.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Authorities suspect alcohol played a role in the crash, a common factor in fatal collisions. If toxicology reports confirm impairment, the victims’ families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Additionally, the Fiesta’s passengers may have legal options despite being in the vehicle with an impaired driver.
Investigators will analyze roadway conditions, toxicology results, and event data recorders from both vehicles to determine the full extent of liability. The absence of seatbelts may complicate injury claims, as California follows comparative negligence laws, which could reduce compensation if failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to injuries.
Tragic cases like this highlight the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Families of victims in DUI crashes often seek justice through civil claims. Learn more about DUI claims.
My deepest sympathies go out to the families affected by this heartbreaking incident.
Source: Yahoo News