San Felipe Valley, California – An 8-year-old girl was killed and six other people were seriously injured in a fiery suspected DUI collision on a rural roadway in the far eastern San Diego County region over the Thanksgiving weekend, authorities said Monday.
The deadly head-on crash occurred around 3 p.m. Sunday in the 25000 block of San Felipe Road, northeast of Julian, when the driver of a northbound 2005 Toyota Tacoma crossed over double yellow lines and slammed into a southbound 2018 Toyota Camry, according to the California Highway Patrol.
After the initial collision, the Tacoma continued forward and struck a northbound 1997 Ford F-350 truck towing a utility trailer before overturning and catching fire, CHP public-affairs Officer Jasmine Lopez reported.
The wreck left multiple victims with severe injuries, including the Tacoma’s driver, a 25-year-old Oceanside man, and his passenger, a 24-year-old man from San Marcos. The Camry’s driver, a 26-year-old man from Arizona, was also seriously hurt along with four passengers in the sedan: a 28-year-old woman, boys ages 4 and 5, and an 8-year-old girl.
Paramedics rushed the children to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where the girl was later pronounced dead. Her name has not yet been released pending notification of her family. The four injured adults were transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital.
A 13-year-old girl riding in the Ford truck suffered minor injuries, according to the CHP.
Authorities are still investigating why the Tacoma crossed into oncoming traffic, but Lopez said alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the crash.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim in California If Multiple People Were Injured in a Suspected DUI Crash?
Yes. In California, a family can still file a wrongful death claim even when a suspected DUI crash injures multiple people. Wrongful death laws focus on who caused the fatality — not on how many others were hurt. If the evidence shows that a negligent or intoxicated driver caused the death, families may pursue compensation with the help of a wrongful death attorney california, regardless of how many victims were involved in the collision.
When DUI is suspected, liability can become clearer because driving under the influence is a direct breach of California’s duty of care. In these cases, families often work with dui accident attorneys and experienced car accident lawyers in california to establish fault, gather police evidence, and secure compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional damages.
If the crash occurred in Southern California, including San Diego County, local expertise from san diego car accident attorneys can help families navigate regional courts, CHP evidence, and insurance procedures. And because wrongful death cases are complex — especially when multiple people were injured — choosing a reputable car accident law firm is essential to protect your rights and maximize recovery.Megeredchian Law is ready to help your family pursue full justice. Call (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation today.