San Diego, California - Unlicensed Teen Driver Arrested on DUI Charges After 2 Killed in Crash on Interstate 8

2 Teens Killed, 3 Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Interstate 8 Near Route 163

Last Update: 7/13/2020

A 17-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide following a crash that resulted in the deaths of two of his passengers and serious injuries to the three other teens in the vehicle.

According to the police, a 2008 BMW was driving westbound on Interstate 8 at around 3:15 a.m. on Saturday and tried to exit via the state Route 163 transition ramp at a high speed. The vehicle then drove over the ramp’s concrete wall and fell approximately 40 feet down an embankment before crashing into a tree and catching fire.

Five teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 were in the vehicle during the crash. The driver and two other occupants escaped the burning vehicle and were hospitalized with serious injuries. Two of the occupants were trapped in the backseat and died at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver did not have a license and now faces DUI and vehicular homicide charges.

No names have been released at this time.

Legal Rights of California Drunk Driving Crash Victims and Their Families

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson represents families who have been affected by drunk driving crashes that resulted in injuries or deaths. Considering his legal experience, we’ve asked Bobby to share some general information on the legal rights of families affected by DUI crashes in the state of California.

“Thousands of American families are devastated by drunk driving crashes each year, given the unfortunate fact that these kinds of crashes are some of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths. At the end of the day, these families should be aware of their legal rights, including their right to financial compensation for personal and financial damages suffered, as achieving justice in this manner can prove a critical part of the healing process,” Bobby explained.

He continued, “Drunk drivers can be sued in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits after injuring or killing others in automobile crashes. Additionally, there are some situations in which third parties (i.e. alcohol vendors or social hosts) can be sued for providing alcohol to a drunk driver before the crash. These third-party liability lawsuits are often called “dram shop” claims.”

Sources

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-01-18/1-killed-when-wehicle-flies-off-freeway-off-ramp-in-mission-valley-bursts-into-flames

https://www.10news.com/donations-raised-for-15-year-old-boy-killed-in-fiery-mission-valley-crash