DUI Crash Kills Castro Valley Woman in San Ramon

Fatal Collision on Crow Canyon Road in San Ramon: DUI Suspect Arrested After Crash Kills Castro Valley WomanA tragic two-vehicle collision on Saturday afternoon in San Ramon claimed the life of a 41-year-old woman from Castro Valley. The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Crow Canyon Road and involved a Ford Bronco and a Tesla Model 3. According to law enforcement, the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of her family.Police indicated that the Tesla was driven by 28-year-old Pleasanton resident Badal Dholaria. Officers arrested Dholaria at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence, and he was subsequently booked on charges that include vehicular manslaughter. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information or who witnessed the collision to contact the San Ramon Police Department. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.What We Know About the Crash- Time and location: Approximately 3:30 p.m., Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon- Vehicles involved: Ford Bronco and Tesla Model 3- Fatality: The Ford’s driver, a 41-year-old woman from Castro Valley, died at the scene- Arrest: The Tesla’s driver, identified as 28-year-old Badal Dholaria of Pleasanton, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and later booked on related charges- Investigation: Active and ongoing; authorities continue to examine the factors leading to the collision and are seeking additional witnessesInvestigators will typically analyze a wide range of evidence in serious collisions, including scene measurements, skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, visibility and roadway design, traffic conditions, and weather. Modern vehicles, including many Teslas, maintain electronic data recorder (EDR) logs that can provide insight into speed, braking, steering input, and driver-assistance engagement immediately before impact. Toxicology results, field sobriety assessments, and witness statements also play a critical role when impairment is suspected.California DUI Law and Potential Criminal ExposureUnder California Vehicle Code section 23153(a), it is unlawful to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to another person. When a DUI collision results in death, prosecutors may pursue additional charges such as vehicular manslaughter. Any criminal case proceeds separately from civil claims that may be brought by injured victims or the families of those who have died. It is important to remember that an arrest and charges are allegations; the accused has the right to defend against them in court.Wrongful Death and Civil Liability After a Fatal CrashEven when criminal charges are under consideration, families who have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle crash may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver and, in many cases, their insurance carrier. In California, a wrongful death action seeks compensation for the losses the surviving family suffers because of the death. Damages can include:- Funeral and burial expenses- Loss of the decedent’s financial support and benefits- Loss of household services-