Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash on I-5
Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash on I-5

A wrong-way driver who killed himself and two others had three DUIs on his record and no valid license. David Elmore, a 29-year-old from Encinitas, made a U-turn at the Mexican border in December 2015. He then sped off to flee from border patrol agents. He fled south in the northbound lanes of I-5 for 38 miles, traveling above 100 mph. Finally, he crashed head-on into a vehicle in Encinitas, which was carrying two university students. All three perished in the fiery crash just after 3 a.m.

Customs and Border Protection agents alerted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) of the wrong-way driver. CHP officers tried to stop him with spike strips, but because of the car’s speed they couldn’t get into position in time.

The wrong-way driver was charged with five felonies in the past, all related to driving under the influence. At the time of the crash, he was on probation and driving with a revoked license from another state. Elmore was allegedly working as a bartender at Seasons 52, but he had a court order prohibiting him from bartending.

Wrong-Way Driver had no California Driver’s License

Not only was Elmore not licensed to drive in California, but he was also told on multiple occasions in court that he was not allowed to drive here. It has yet to be determined whether he was under the influence at the time of the crash.

The victims of the crash, a 23- and 24-year-old Malin Yang from La Jolla, were driving a rental car. They were on their way to the airport to fly to Hawaii for their holiday break. Both were Chinese exchange students at UC San Diego.

“Someone with a background of so many DUI offenses should have never been behind the wheel of a car. Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrible crash,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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