ⓘThis article reports on a matter of public interest. Carrazco Law, A.P.C. is not representing any party involved in this incident unless expressly stated.
Kathy Greenwood, Sandy Killed When Drunk Driver Runs Stop Sign
Kathy Greenwood, Sandy · Big Bear Lake, California
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA (May 4, 2026): Two women delivering meals for charity were killed and one critically injured when Matthew Clark, 52, failed to stop at a stop sign while driving a Ford Super Duty pickup truck and broadsided their Subaru in Big Bear Lake. The collision occurred as the three women were performing volunteer work for their community.
Liability for San Bernardino DUI Collision
California law establishes clear duties for all drivers to operate vehicles safely. Under California Vehicle Code § 21658, drivers must maintain proper lane control, while California Vehicle Code § 22350 requires driving at speeds reasonable for conditions. California Vehicle Code § 21703 mandates safe following distances, and California Vehicle Code § 22406 sets maximum speed limits for trucks. Commercial drivers are additionally bound by FMCSA 49 C.F.R. Part 395 hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Fatigue: Hours-of-service violations put drowsy commercial drivers on the road.
Vehicle Failure: Defective brakes, tires, or load securement cause loss of control.
Distraction: Phone use or inattention leads to lane departures and rear-end crashes.
When drivers violate traffic laws and cause fatal crashes, they may face liability under negligence theory for wrongful death. Families can pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and the immeasurable pain of losing a loved one.
Steps to Take After a San Bernardino DUI Collision
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving crashes claim over 10,000 lives annually in the United States.
Obtain and preserve the police report and accident reconstruction report immediately.
Collect all surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
Preserve vehicle black box (EDR/ECM) data before it is overwritten.
Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
Consult a wrongful death or personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Statute of limitations: 2 years, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: Government entity claim deadline: 6 months, California Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating San Bernardino DUI Collisions
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kathy Greenwood, Sandy. Was the driver's blood alcohol level properly tested and documented at the scene? Did the pickup truck have any mechanical defects that contributed to the failure to stop?
Do you have questions about a San Bernardino dui collision? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Legal Context
Applicable California Law
California Vehicle Code § 22450: Failure to stop at a stop sign
California Vehicle Code § 23152(a): Driving under the influence of alcohol
California Vehicle Code § 23153: DUI causing injury or death
California Civil Code § 3294: Punitive damages for oppression, fraud, or malice
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1: Two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death
California Government Code § 911.2: Six-month deadline to file claims against government entities
Liability Analysis
If the investigation establishes that Matthew Clark was driving under the influence and failed to stop at a stop sign, he could potentially face both criminal prosecution under Vehicle Code § 23153 and civil liability for wrongful death. The families of the deceased victims may be entitled to pursue both compensatory damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship, as well as punitive damages if the conduct is found to constitute malice or conscious disregard for safety, depending on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Statute of Limitations
Under California law, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government entity or employee is potentially liable, a claim must be filed with that entity within six months of the incident (Government Code § 911.2). It is critical to consult with an attorney immediately to preserve all legal rights and ensure deadlines are met.
If You've Been Affected by a Similar Incident
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How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim after a DUI crash in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if a government entity or employee may be liable, you must file an administrative claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Missing these deadlines could bar your claim entirely, so prompt consultation with an attorney is essential.
Can families recover punitive damages in a DUI wrongful death case?
Yes, California Civil Code § 3294 allows for punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves oppression, fraud, or malice. Driving under the influence may be considered conduct showing conscious disregard for the safety of others, which could support a punitive damages claim depending on the specific facts and evidence presented at trial.
What compensation is available to families who lose a loved one in a DUI crash?
In a wrongful death claim, families may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, loss of the deceased's future earnings and benefits, loss of companionship and support, and the pain and suffering endured by survivors. If the conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be available.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the deceased's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or if none exist, by other qualifying heirs such as parents or siblings who were financially dependent on the deceased. An attorney can help determine who has legal standing to pursue a claim.
What should I do immediately after a loved one is killed by a drunk driver?
Preserve all evidence, including the police report, toxicology results, witness statements, and any video footage. Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting an attorney. Contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that critical deadlines are met and that your family's legal rights are fully protected.
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This article is published by Carrazco Law News for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or sharing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. Carrazco Law is not representing any party involved in the incident described above. If you have been affected by a similar incident, consult a licensed California attorney about your specific situation.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one, please contact our office directly for a confidential consultation.
