What happened
- Saturday (~6 p.m.) — began in Fresno’s Tower District — police received reports of a reckless driver who, witnesses said, had struck other vehicles.
- A police helicopter tracked the vehicle as officers tried to stop it; it went west on Highway 180 and crashed at the Highway 180 and Abby off-ramp.
- A 32-year-old woman and her two children were inside; the children suffered minor injuries.
- The driver is suspected of DUI, per the Fresno Police Department. No conviction has been entered.
Source: The Fresno Bee. Details reflect initial reporting and may change; the driver is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
A suspected impaired driver who reportedly hits several vehicles before crashing puts an entire neighborhood at risk. We’re glad the children involved here suffered only minor injuries. Cases like this are also a reminder of two things: how much damage one impaired driver can do to strangers on the road, and what rights those strangers have if they’re hit.
If a suspected impaired driver hits you
When a driver strikes your vehicle — as witnesses said happened here before the final crash — you can pursue a civil injury claim entirely separate from any criminal DUI case. You don’t have to wait for the criminal case to resolve, and its outcome doesn’t control your right to be compensated for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.
Impaired-driving cases also carry an extra dimension. Because driving under the influence is considered especially reckless, these crashes can support punitive damages — money meant to punish the wrongdoer on top of compensating you — which can significantly increase a claim’s value. And passengers, who are almost never at fault, have their own right to recover.
Reporting a reckless driver can save lives. The witnesses who called police here did the right thing. If you see a driver who appears impaired or is hitting vehicles, get to safety and call 911 — you may prevent the next crash.
What to do if an impaired driver hit you
- Get medical care and keep every record, even for injuries that seem minor at first.
- Request the police report. A DUI investigation and any charges can be powerful evidence in a civil claim.
- Document the damage to your vehicle and the scene, and get witness contacts.
- Remember the two cases are separate. A criminal case punishes the driver; a civil claim is how you’re compensated.
Frequently asked questions
A drunk driver hit my car. Can I sue even if there’s a criminal case?
Yes. Your civil injury claim is separate from the criminal DUI case and moves forward on its own. The criminal case punishes the driver; your claim compensates you for your losses.
What are punitive damages, and do DUI crashes qualify?
They punish especially reckless conduct on top of compensating your losses. Because impaired driving is treated as reckless, DUI crashes can support them — which can increase a claim’s value.
My car was damaged but I wasn’t hurt. Do I have a claim?
Yes. You can pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance for vehicle repair or replacement, a rental, and related costs — separate from any injury claim.
How long do I have to file in California?
Generally two years from the date of the crash for injury claims. Evidence fades quickly, so it’s best to act sooner rather than later.
Hit by a suspected impaired driver in Fresno?
The Wagner Law Group has recovered over $300 million for injury victims across the Central Valley. If you have questions about your rights, talk to us for free — no fee unless we win.
This post is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not a solicitation of any specific individual. A person suspected or arrested for DUI is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty; nothing here states that any charge has been proven. Details are based on initial news reports and may change. Our thoughts are with the children involved. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.