Concord DUI Wrong-Way Crash Kills Two: Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?

The devastating consequences of drunk driving are once again in the spotlight following a recent wrong-way collision in Concord, California. Early in the morning of March 8, 2025, a Honda Civic traveling north in the southbound lanes of Kirker Pass Road crashed head-on into a Toyota 4Runner, tragically killing both drivers. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) suspects DUI to be a contributing factor in this horrific incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. According to a Highway Special Investigation Report, roughly 360 lives are lost each year in about 260 fatal wrong-way collisions, with 75% of those being caused by drunk drivers.

While the immediate aftermath focuses on the drivers involved, this tragedy raises important questions about liability and the potential for legal recourse, especially when considering other vulnerable road users like bicyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident involving a drunk driver, particularly if you were a bicyclist, understanding your rights is crucial. This leads to the question: Can a bicycle accident attorney help in a case stemming from a DUI wrong-way crash? The answer is a resounding yes.

The Intersection of DUI, Wrong-Way Accidents, and Bicycle Accident Law

Wrong-way accidents are particularly dangerous, often resulting in head-on collisions with a high risk of severe injury or death. When these accidents are caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the legal landscape becomes even more complex. While the focus is often on the occupants of the vehicles involved, bicyclists can also be victims in such scenarios. Here’s why a bicycle accident attorney’s expertise is invaluable:

Establishing Negligence: A bicycle accident attorney can help establish negligence on the part of the drunk driver. In California, driving under the influence is a clear breach of the duty of care that all drivers owe to others on the road. A driver is negligent if they do not exercise reasonable care in operating their vehicle. This includes following traffic laws, maintaining control of the vehicle, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Determining Liability: In wrong-way DUI accidents, the intoxicated driver is typically held liable for all resulting damages, injuries, and losses. However, a skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties. This could include the driver’s employer (if they were driving as part of their job), the vehicle owner (if different from the driver), or even a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver.
Understanding California DUI Laws: California has strict DUI laws, with penalties that can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. A driver can be guilty of DUI for either (1) being impaired by alcohol (or drugs) while driving, or (2) by having a blood-alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of .08%. The law does not differentiate between legal and illegal drugs; any substance that impairs driving ability can lead to a DUI charge. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) states that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while impaired due to being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
Navigating Wrongful Death Claims: In the tragic event that a bicyclist is killed in a wrong-way DUI accident, their family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. A bicycle accident attorney can assist the family in pursuing compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Protecting Bicyclists’ Rights: California law considers bicycles as vehicles, granting cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This includes the right to use public roads, with some exceptions. Bicyclists must also adhere to traffic laws, such as using bike lanes when available, riding with traffic, and equipping their bikes with proper safety equipment like reflectors and lights, especially when riding at night.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrong-way DUI crash while cycling, a bicycle accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance in the following ways:

Investigating the Accident: Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis, to determine the cause of the crash and identify all liable parties.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A bicycle accident attorney will handle all communications with the insurance companies, protecting your rights and negotiating for a fair settlement.
Building a Strong Case: Attorneys will gather medical records, employment information, and other documentation to build a strong case that demonstrates the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a bicycle accident attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury.
Understanding Comparative Negligence: California operates under a “pure comparative fault” system. This means that even if a bicyclist is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, although their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. An attorney can help navigate this complex legal principle.
Assessing Damages: A bicycle accident attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
Wrongful Death Claims: In cases where a bicyclist is killed, an attorney can assist the family in filing a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their losses. This can include funeral expenses, loss of the deceased’s income, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Seeking Justice and Compensation

The aftermath of a wrong-way DUI crash can be overwhelming, especially when it involves serious injuries or fatalities. While the criminal justice system will hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions, it is essential to pursue civil legal action to recover compensation for your losses. A bicycle accident attorney can provide the legal expertise and support you need to navigate the complex legal process and seek justice.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident involving a drunk driver in Concord or anywhere in California, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact a qualified bicycle accident attorney today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. Remember, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.