Gilberto Arteaga-Gutierrez and Silvia Velasco Killed in Goleta Car Crash on Cathedral Oaks Road
Santa Barbara, California (October 26, 2021) – Two people killed in an alleged DUI crash in Goleta on Tuesday night have been identified as Gilberto Arteaga-Gutierrez, 40, of Santa Barbara, and Silvia Velasco, 45, of Lompoc.
The deadly collision occurred on Cathedral Oaks Road and Camino Cascada.
The California Highway Patrol said a 31-year-old Andrew Raymond Burgher was driving a 2016 Toyota 4-Runner eastbound on Cathedral Oaks at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the back of a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by Arteaga-Gutierrez.
The impact of the collision caused the Ford to spin clockwise and strike two parked vehicles along the south curb of Cathedral Oaks.
Deadly Car Collision on Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta
Arteaga-Gutierrez and his passenger, Velasco, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Investigators determined that Burgher was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. He was transported to Cottage Hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for murder and DUI charges.
A small dog inside the Toyota was unhurt and was taken to Santa Barbara County Animal Services for housing.
Officers closed Cathedral Oaks Road between Cambridge and Kellogg during the investigation.
More details about the crash were not immediately provided.
The accident remains under investigation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents in Santa Barbara
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience for the victims and their families. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1900 traffic crashes were reported in Santa Barbara in 2020, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 people. Statistics show that the leading cause of most of these auto accidents is human error. This includes dangerous acts such as; distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving, and failure to observe traffic laws.
When you are involved in a traffic collision, you and your family may be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on medical bills, property damages, and maybe funeral services, while also enduring endless mental and emotional suffering.
Although the exact cause of the accident above was not immediately determined, the authorities will continue to gather more information, including witness statements to establish the cause of the accident. However, Pacific Attorney Group's managing attorney P. Mark Shayani believes that a separate and independent investigation into the crash is equally important. “A car accident attorney will investigate, research, and review every case thoroughly and explain to clients their rights and answer all questions to their satisfaction,” he said.
Victims of traffic accidents have an enforceable right under law to full and fair compensation for the costs and losses they suffer. Whether they receive what the law provides for them or whether they receive any compensation at all depends on how well their attorneys can pursue their claims through the intricacies of the state civil legal processes.
Call a California Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a traffic accident and got injured, it is important to get in touch with a skilled attorney immediately for guidance. At Pacific Attorney Group, we specialize in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits for all types of auto accidents. We assist accident victims and their families to seek justice and financial compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or lost a loved one, contact Pacific Attorney Group today to talk to an experienced car accident attorney. Click to call : 866-803-6502