The DUI suspect was taken into custody at Napa County Detention Center, authorities say
NAPA, CA, (December 08, 2024) - An allegedly drunk driver crashed his vehicle into a tree early Sunday near Yountville, leaving a female passenger in the car dead, according to authorities.
Larkin Wells, 23, was killed as a result of a single-vehicle wreck involving a DUI driver early Sunday near Yountville, according to authorities.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Larkin Wells of Arcata, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office reported.
According to the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) preliminary report, a Toyota Tacoma traveled off the roadway along Silverado Trail south of Yountville Cross Road on Sunday around 1 a.m. and slammed into a tree, ultimately landing on its side. The 23-year-old driver of the Toyota was taken to Queen of the Valley Hospital and later booked into custody at Napa County Detention Center, the CHP said.
No other details about the tragic incident were immediately available.
The investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
The death of the victim underscores the dangers of drunk driving, which, most experts say, is 100% preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 1,479 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol in the state of California in 2022.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Larkin Wells may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).