18-Year-Old Teenager Loses Leg After Being Severely Injured in a Santa Monica DUI Crash
Santa Monica, CA (June 13, 2023) – An 18-year-old victim, identified as Gelvy Velazquez Ortiz, loses his leg after being struck in a suspected DUI crash in Santa Monica. According to Santa Monica Daily Press, the crash occurred on June 2, 2023.
An 18-year-old teenager loses his leg in a tragic Santa Monica DUI crash. Loved ones seek help and justice for their brother.
The Santa Monica Police Department responded to reports of a crash involving a suspected DUI driver and a pedestrian at the intersection of 26th Street and Wilshire Boulevard on June 2.
Paramedics then transported a male victim to UCLA Medical Center due to severe traumatic injuries to both legs.
Reports identify him as 18-year-old Gelvy Velazquez Ortiz.
Unfortunately, Ortiz recently lost his left leg due to the severity of his injuries. He is also at grave risk of losing his other leg; doctors confirmed that he must undergo several surgeries to recover fully.
According to authorities, Ortiz was sitting on a bus bench when a suspected DUI driver veered off the road and struck him.
Currently, Ortiz’s loved ones are seeking help and justice for their brother.
Ortiz is the youngest of three orphaned siblings from Guatemala. He is also described as a smart and hardworking high school student.
A GoFundMe page set up for Ortiz and his brothers shared that, “his older brothers have stopped working to care for him, therefore these brothers need our help to pay the medical bills, and pay for their basic human necessities (rent, food, bills, etc.). Overall help for Gelvy that will need lots of therapy not only physically but mentally and for future expenses such as getting a prosthetic leg and other resources that will be needed in the future,”
Meanwhile, the suspect driver, John Edward Alevizos, was arrested for felony DUI but was later released after posting bail.
He is reportedly awaiting trial for this Santa Monica DUI crash.
J&M Tip: Dealing with accidents can be challenging. However, hiring an injury attorney after an accident will cost you nothing during the legal process. Most personal injury law firms’ fees are contingent upon the outcome of a trial. If they fail to win your case, you won’t have to pay them.
Google Map of DUI Accident in Santa Monica, CA
More About Pedestrian Accident Liability
Pedestrians usually get major injuries in pedestrian accidents. Sometimes, they can even cause death. When it comes to liability, it can fall on the pedestrian or driver based on various factors of the accident. Proving liability can become vague or obvious. The process generally involves finding out who acted carelessly, causing the accident. Any Santa Monica personal injury or accident lawyer will tell you that you need to show the following to prove negligence and liability:
- legal responsibility or “duty of care”
- violated or breached the duty of care
- the violation caused the accident
- the violation resulted in injuries or damages
In some cases, the driver might’ve sped down the road, hitting the pedestrian. This can put fault on the driver. Meanwhile, pedestrians can get hit by a car because they acted against traffic signals, such as jaywalking. In these instances, the pedestrian can become at fault. Other factors, such as lack of road markings and ample lighting, can also lead to pedestrian accidents. In these cases, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help look at all angles to determine liability. Learn more about pedestrian accident lawyers in California here. You can also check out these resources about wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers.
Personal Injury Claims in Santa Monica
In this case, the family of Gelvy Velazquez Ortiz, the injured victim in this Santa Monica DUI crash, can have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. However, it can depend on the investigation’s findings. These results can point out any acts of negligence by a person or business which might have contributed to the accident.
Indeed, no amount of money can ever make up for the injuries or death left by an accident caused by someone else. However, receiving the maximum settlement and winning a judgment can give a sense of justice. Also, it can offer some peace of mind, so you can fully heal and recover.
Do you have any legal questions about accidents? Get answers and common accident-related legal advice here:
- Pedestrian Accident
- Car Accident
- Hit and Run Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Burn Injury
- Truck Accident
- Bus Accident
- Wrongful Death
Get reliable answers to common legal questions by checking out our full list of practice areas here.
It’s important to get your rightful compensation to help with recovery. Getting advice and guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys can also help you pursue your case. For instance, Jacoby & Meyers has a team of the best lawyers for any car accident, pedestrian accident, or motorcycle accident cases in California, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Sacramento. Consulting a lawyer can also help you get insight and information about complicated topics, including car accident settlements in Los Angeles and more. If you’d like professional advice about your case, call us today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you.
Source(s):
- https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/teen-hit-by-suspected-drunk-driver-in-santa-monica-loses-leg/3169688/
- https://smdp.com/2023/06/13/fundraiser-to-support-orphan-injured-in-dui-crash/
Jacoby & Meyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with Gelvy Velazquez Ortiz and his family members.
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