A 49-year-old Aromas man was killed and his son seriously injured in a San Francisco area car accident, which authorities believe was caused by a drunk driver. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the fatal car versus motorcycle accident occurred the night of September 27, 2010 on Carlton Road in Watsonville. The motorcyclist and his son were riding on a 2000 Harley Davidson and headed south on Carlton, when it was struck by a northbound 1992 Toyota Camry driven by 51-year-old Maria Villegas de Munoz. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene while his son was transported to a local hospital with moderate to severe injuries. Munoz was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the motorcyclist killed in this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the boy as he recovers from his injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were injured in Watsonville motorcycle accidents. During the same year, seven fatalities and 139 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in all of Santa Cruz County.
DUI Laws
Authorities believe that the driver of the Corolla here was under the influence of alcohol although they are still investigating how the accident occurred. It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of the deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims of drunk driving accidents about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.
Lost a family member in a San Francisco County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Watsonville car accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Francisco wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
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The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.