![[10-26-2024] Female Passenger Killed After Suspected DUI Crash Near Visalia](https://ak1.to//lUaBa.webp)
A female passenger was killed after a suspected DUI crash near Visalia on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at around 10:38 p.m. when 51-year-old Abel D. was driving a red Dodge Avenger southbound on Road 132, north of Avenue 368, with a female passenger in the front seat.
The driver made an unsafe turning movement to the right, causing the vehicle to leave the paved portion of the roadway and crash into a dirt ravine west of Road 132. The Dodge overturned several times.
Neither the driver nor the woman were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released by officials.
After the crash, the driver fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended by officers. Authorities suspect that alcohol and/or drugs may be a factor in the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
