Westminster Crash Leaves One Dead and One Hospitalized

An early morning accident in Orange County has left one driver dead and the other under investigation for DUI.  According to KTLA News, the accident happened this morning at about 1:10 a.m. at the corner of Brookhurst Street and McFadden Avenue in the City of Westminster.  A white pickup truck collided with a red Honda Civic, and it was the driver of the truck who was later described by police as smelling of alcohol.  Both drivers were alone in their vehicles at the time of the collision.  After the driver of the Honda was finally extricated from his vehicle by emergency crew workers, he was transported to the hospital where he ultimately died of his injuries.  The driver of the truck remains hospitalized in unknown condition.

Scene of the Accident

The intersection where the collision occurred is controlled by traffic signals, and it appears to be relatively flat and straight.  While the speed and direction of the two vehicles is currently unknown, there would appear to be at least some indication this accident may have been caused by an impaired driver.  Like so many DUI-related accidents, this tragic collision occurred in the early morning hours when the risk of being involved in a DUI accident is at its highest.  According to the news story above, there were no witnesses to the crash, and the cameras at the intersection do not often record.  Consequently, this may prove to be a very difficult reconstruction, and the determination of responsibility may rest on the word of the truck's driver.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an intersection accident, contacting an Orange County auto accident attorney is likely the best way to explore your right to compensation for any injuries and damages sustained.

SOURCE:  1 Dead, 1 Injured in Westminster Crash, KTLA News, September 17, 2013, by John A. Moreno