Tragic Sunday collision happened along the 91 Freeway
RIVERSIDE, CA, (September 29, 2024) - A pedestrian lost his life on Sunday after an alleged DUI crash in Riverside County.
Alfredo Verganza-Lucas lost his life on Sunday after a multiple-vehicle crash in Riverside County. Two people were arrested on suspicion of DUI.
The initial incident occurred on the 91 Freeway and involved two vehicles, a Jeep Patriot and a Kia Sportage. The crash caused minor injuries and left the Jeep disabled on the freeway. After the initial the occupants of the Jeep exited the vehicle. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of a tractor-trailer, attempting to swerve around the disabled Jeep, lost control and the truck overturned.
In an effort to avoid the overturned truck, a Toyota Camry took evasive action but ended up striking the Jeep and a pedestrian who had been a passenger in the Jeep.
Alfredo Verganza-Lucas, age 21, of Riverside, was pronounced dead after the crash.
The Jeep, after being struck, hit another passenger, who was subsequently hospitalized. The driver of the Toyota Camry remained uninjured.
Both the drivers of the Jeep and the Kia were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Their identities have not yet been released.
The California Highway Patrol is requesting any additional information from the public regarding the incident. Witnesses are urged to contact CHP investigators with any relevant details.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. As an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Alfredo Verganza-Lucas may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).