Alcohol Suspected in Fatal Westminster Collision

One person was killed and another hospitalized in a suspected DUI collision early Tuesday morning in Westminster.

According to the Westminster Police Department, the crash took place at approximately 1:10 a.m. in the intersection of Brookhurst Street and McFadden Avenue, where a red Honda Civic sedan and a white pickup truck collided. As there were no witnesses to the crash, it is unclear how the two vehicles were violently introduced to one another. Surveillance cameras installed in the intersection were also unable to record the event.

The crash trapped the sedan driver inside his car for more than 20 minutes before rescue personnel were able to free him from the vehicle. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital, but pronounced dead a short time later as a result of his injuries. The man’s name has not yet been released, though police have described him as a man in his 20s, possibly Asian or Hispanic. Family members later revealed that the man was a father and a former US Marine.

The driver of the pickup truck was meanwhile taken to another area hospital, where his condition is unknown. Police are now investigating if the man may have been under the influence at the time of the crash. “Officers found the driver of the truck and he had smelled of alcohol,” said Westminster Police Corporal Eddie Esqueda. “At this time the DUI portion is under investigation.”

Under the influence of alcohol, your decision making ability is severely inhibited, as is your vision and reaction time. If you’ve been drinking, you should never get behind the wheel of an automobile. Find a designated driver, or call for a taxi, it is never worth the risk.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a driver under the influence of alcohol, there are legal protections in place designed to get you back on your feet. With the assistance provided by legal representation, compensation can be recovered from those at fault to help pay for that damages that you’ve suffered, including hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and more.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will fight for your rights after an accident and help you receive everything you need to repair your injuries. We will guide you through the legal process, file your claim, and negotiate with your insurance provider while you focus on your recovery. As always, we will not charge you anything for our legal services until your case is won. For more information about the kinds of services we can offer, or for a free evaluation to discuss your available options, call us right away!