71-Year-Old Steven Carson ID'd as Victim In Deadly Head-On Collision on Carrillo Street near Miramonte Drive in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California (November 17, 2021) – Police have identified the man who died Sunday night in an alleged DUI crash in Santa Barbara as Steven Doyle Carson, 71.
The deadly crash happened at around 8:20 p.m. Sunday, November 14, on Carrillo Street, just east of Miramonte Drive.
Authorities said Jose Fermin Lopez Jr., 24, of Santa Barbara, was driving a Nissan sedan westbound on Carrillo Street at a high rate of speed without headlights on when he allowed the vehicle to veer into the eastbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Mercedes sedan, driven by Carson.
Jose Lopez Jr. Arrested after Crash That Killed Steven Carson
Carson and Lopez Jr. sustained major injuries and were taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. On Monday, Carson's condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to his injuries.
Lopez Jr. was placed under arrest on suspicion of felony driving under the influence, causing death, and vehicular manslaughter. He will be booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail after being released from the hospital.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, November 22.
No further details regarding the collision were immediately provided.
The crash remains under investigation.
Traffic Collisions in California
California is among the states that record the highest number of traffic collisions every year. Most of the accidents are caused by avoidable human factors, including distracted driving, speeding, traffic violation, drunk driving, following too closely, and more. Other factors such as bad weather and slick roads also cause car accidents but to a lesser degree.
While most of the auto accidents cause property damage and minor injuries only, high-impact collisions almost always result in major injury or fatality.
Collisions resulting in major injuries are life-altering, and proper legal action should be taken to alleviate the effects of such accidents.
Call a California Car Accident Lawyer Today
Sustaining severe injuries in a car accident is a regrettable event that needs serious legal action. Our auto accident attorney insists on the need to immediately initiate a legal process to defend your rights after being involved in a traffic collision.
The best way to start the process is by consulting with a professional car accident lawyer. An attorney will examine your car accident and advise on the options you have.