Palm Springs Boy Airlifted To Hospital Following DUI Crash
Posted on May 31, 2023 Written By: John Arends
Pablo Montealegre and Michael Hernandez Arrested in DUI Crash on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA (May 31, 2023) – Early Tuesday morning, two individuals accused of driving under the influence crashed their vehicles separately after ignoring barricades on North Indian Canyon Drive. Blowing sand and poor visibility led to the closure of the road, prompting the Palm Springs Police Department to issue a statement regarding the incidents.
Police Witnessed 2 Cars Speeding and Recklessly Breaking Through a Barricade
According to authorities, an officer witnessed two cars speeding past him, recklessly breaking through the south closure barricades around 2 a.m. Tragically, one of the vehicles collided with a substantial sand berm that covered the entire road, resulting in the car rolling over and subsequently bursting into flames.
The driver of the flaming vehicle, identified as 18-year-old Michael Hernandez, sustained major injuries and was rushed to the hospital. In addition to his injuries, Hernandez is now facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI). The second car involved in the incident remained at the scene, and its driver is not currently facing DUI charges.
31-year-old Pablo Garcia Montealegre Was Driving Under The Influence With His Young Son In The Car
Further investigations by the police revealed yet another overturned vehicle without anyone inside. The subsequent probe indicated that 31-year-old Pablo Garcia Montealegre was allegedly driving under the influence, with his child as a passenger. Montealegre had purportedly driven through the barricades, resulting in a collision with the same sand berm that the previous vehicle had encountered.
Following the crash, Montealegre managed to remove his child from the vehicle and walked to a nearby gas station. There, they were picked up by a family member who promptly took them to a hospital for medical attention. Authorities subsequently arrested Montealegre on suspicion of DUI and child endangerment.
Sadly, the child sustained serious injuries to their face, as well as unknown internal injuries, and had to be airlifted to another hospital for further treatment, as confirmed by the police.
Location of Felony DUI in Palm Springs, CA
Why You Should Never Drive Under The Influence, Especially With A Child
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Palm Springs is a dangerous and illegal act, and it becomes even more concerning when a child is present in the vehicle. Here are several reasons why you should never drive under the influence with a child in your car:
- Increased risk of accidents: Driving under the influence (DUI) significantly impairs judgment, coordination, reaction time, and overall driving abilities. This puts both the driver and passengers, including the child, at a much higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident.
- Potential for severe injuries or fatalities: If an accident occurs while driving under the influence, the child in the vehicle is particularly vulnerable to severe injuries or even death. Due to their smaller size, children are more susceptible to the impact forces and less able to withstand traumatic events.
- Emotional and psychological impact: Being involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects on a child. They may experience fear, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or other negative consequences that can impact their well-being and trust in others.
- Legal consequences: Driving under the influence with a child in the car can result in serious legal consequences. DUI laws typically have stricter penalties when children are present, including enhanced fines, longer license suspensions, mandatory counseling or treatment programs, and even potential child endangerment charges.
- Negative role modeling: Driving under the influence with a child sends a dangerous message and sets a poor example for responsible behavior. It normalizes risky actions and can shape a child’s perception of acceptable behavior in the future, potentially leading to their own dangerous choices regarding substance use and impaired driving.
- Child welfare concerns: Driving under the influence with a child raises significant child welfare concerns. Authorities may get involved if it is discovered that a child is regularly exposed to such unsafe conditions, potentially leading to child custody issues, involvement with child protective services, and the potential removal of the child from the parent’s care.
It is paramount to prioritize the safety and well-being of children by never driving under the influence. Instead, make alternative arrangements such as designating a sober driver, using Palm Springs public transportation, or calling a taxi or ride-sharing service to ensure the safety of yourself, your child, and other road users.
Hire an Accident Attorney Near Palm Springs
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision, Accident Lawyer strongly encourages you to call our Palm Springs car accident lawyers. Your experienced Car Accident Lawyer will provide you with the best legal representation and guidance that you need. Our offices are conveniently located throughout California and we conduct regular travels in the region to meet with clients. Contact Car Accident Lawyer today.
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John Arends has been working as a At Law Attorney at AA Accident Attorneys for 7 years. AA Accident Attorneys is part of the Law Firms & Legal Services industry, and located in California, United States.
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San Diego State University-California State University
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Chapman University, School of Law
