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Fatal Motorcycle Crash DUI January 14, 2024 Crows Landing Road & Ehrlich Road, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA

Motorcyclist Killed in DUI Accident in Modesto on Crows Landing Road

On Sunday evening, January 14, 2024, Conrad Duenas, 46, of Modesto was killed when an intoxicated driver made a left turn directly into the path of his motorcycle at the intersection of Crows Landing Road and Ehrlich Road. The at-fault driver, Federico Avina, 47, of Patterson, was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.

Incident Summary

Type
Fatal DUI Motorcycle Crash
Location
Crows Landing Road & Ehrlich Road, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA
Date
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Time
Approximately 7:55 p.m.
Victim
Conrad Duenas, 46, Modesto
At-Fault
Federico Avina, 47, Patterson — arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury
Vehicles
Red 2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage (motorcycle), White 2005 Chevrolet Silverado (truck)
Fatalities
1 motorcyclist (Conrad Duenas)
Agency
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Legal Note
The victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim separate from criminal proceedings

Crash Area

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What Happened

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, at approximately 7:55 p.m., Conrad Duenas, 46, of Modesto was riding his red 2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage northbound on Crows Landing Road approaching the intersection with Ehrlich Road in Modesto, Stanislaus County. The area is located north of the San Joaquin River in a section of road that connects rural and suburban communities.

At the same time, Federico Avina, 47, of Patterson was driving a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on Crows Landing Road at approximately 35 miles per hour. As Avina reached the intersection, he attempted to make a left turn onto Ehrlich Road, failing to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. The Silverado turned directly into the path of Duenas’s motorcycle.

Duenas struck the right side of the Chevrolet Silverado. The force of the collision ejected Duenas from his motorcycle, and he came to rest underneath the truck. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Duenas was pronounced dead at the location of the crash.

The California Highway Patrol investigated the collision and determined that Avina was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Avina was arrested and booked on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. This DUI-related collision is now the subject of both criminal proceedings and potential civil action on behalf of the victim’s family.

Legal Options

When a fatal motorcycle crash involves an intoxicated driver who violated the right of way, several legal theories and claims deserve prompt evaluation. Based on the facts reported in this case, the following legal issues are particularly relevant for the Duenas family.

Wrongful Death Claim for the Rider’s Family

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the spouse, children, or dependents of Conrad Duenas may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This civil action is entirely separate from the criminal prosecution and can seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship and guidance.

DUI as Evidence of Negligence Per Se

Driving under the influence violates California Vehicle Code Sections 23152 and 23153. In a civil case, this violation can establish negligence per se, meaning the family does not need to prove the driver failed to act reasonably — the law violation itself demonstrates fault. A DUI arrest and criminal conviction significantly strengthen the wrongful death case.

Left-Turn Failure to Yield Liability

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 requires any driver making a left turn to yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard. Avina turned directly into the path of Duenas’s northbound motorcycle, creating the collision. Left-turn accidents are among the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes in California.

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings

While Avina faces criminal charges for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the Duenas family can pursue a separate civil wrongful death claim without waiting for the criminal case to conclude. The civil case uses a lower burden of proof (preponderance of the evidence vs. beyond a reasonable doubt), and a criminal conviction can serve as powerful evidence in the civil action.

Crash Statistics and Context

6,218
Motorcyclists killed on U.S. roads in 2022, reflecting persistent risk for riders nationwide.
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, Motorcycles 2022
42%
Of all fatal motorcycle crashes in 2022 involved another vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking.
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, Motorcycles 2022
28%
Of motorcyclist fatalities in 2022 involved a rider struck by a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, Alcohol-Impaired Driving 2022
539
Motorcyclists killed in California in 2022, the highest total of any state in the nation.
NHTSA FARS Data, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is liable in a DUI motorcycle crash involving a left turn?
The driver who was intoxicated and failed to yield the right of way bears primary liability. In California, a DUI driver who makes an unsafe left turn into oncoming traffic is presumed negligent, and the intoxication strengthens the wrongful death case significantly.
What wrongful death options does a motorcyclist’s family have after a fatal DUI crash?
The rider’s spouse, children, or dependents can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and emotional suffering. California law does not require waiting for the criminal case to conclude before filing a civil claim.
How is fault determined in a left-turn accident with a motorcycle?
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 requires left-turning drivers to yield to all oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard. When a driver turns directly into the path of a motorcycle traveling with the right of way, the turning driver is almost always at fault.
How do criminal DUI charges relate to a civil wrongful death case?
Criminal DUI charges and a civil wrongful death lawsuit are separate proceedings. A criminal conviction can be used as evidence in the civil case, but families do not need to wait for the criminal outcome. The civil case has a lower burden of proof and focuses on compensating the family for their losses.

Related Resources

Practice Area
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Legal help for riders and families after serious or fatal California motorcycle crashes.
Practice Area
Wrongful Death Attorney
Support for families pursuing claims after a fatal traffic collision caused by negligence or impairment.
Practice Area
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Representing victims and families in civil claims against intoxicated drivers who cause serious or fatal crashes.
Knowledge Hub
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A practical look at left turns, DUI collisions, speed, and visibility failures in rider injury and death cases.

A DUI Left-Turn Crash That Killed a Rider Demands Accountability.

When an intoxicated driver takes a life, families deserve answers and compensation. Scranton Law Firm can help preserve evidence, navigate the criminal and civil process, and evaluate the family’s legal options.

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