Roshan Rahbari, a recent high school graduate, was killed in a San Francisco area car accident, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to an NBC News report, the fatal crash occurred early morning on September 21, 2010, when a Ford Explorer driven by 18-year-old Mitchell Pennings went out of control along the Almaden Expressway near O’Grady Drive in San Jose. The vehicle then crashed into a light pole and burst into flames. Rahbari was trapped in the burning SUV and died at the scene. Pennings fled the scene, but was apprehended shortly afterward. Pennings has been booked on suspicion of felony drunk driving, fleeing the scene of a crash and vehicular manslaughter.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roshan Rahbari for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Apparently, those who were with Pennings hours before the crash said he had been drinking and that they had tried to take away his car keys. Tragic! This crash could definitely have been avoided. A young life has been unnecessarily lost. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 24 people were killed and 389 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in San Jose. In Santa Clara County, 37 deaths and 705 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.
Violation of Laws
Many California laws appear to have been violated in this accident. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. 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.” Drivers who are involved in a fatal collision while under the influence of alcohol may face vehicle manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5(a). In this particular case, the driver also attempted to flee the scene of the crash, which is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a).
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Drunk drivers can be held criminally and civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
Do you believe underage drinking is a problem in your community?
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.