A 65-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, the Pasadena Star News reports. Police in El Monte arrested 24-year-old Joyce Polzin on suspicion of drunk driving and felony manslaughter in connection with the fatal accident, which occurred early morning on October 4, 2009 in the northbound lanes of Peck Road near Lower Azusa Road. El Monte police said the collision occurred when Polzin hit the man who had just got out of his parked Toyota Tundra pickup. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Polzin tried to drive away from the scene of the accident in her damaged Chevrolet Avalanche, but was stopped by a Good Samaritan just a few blocks away.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this victim who died tragically and unnecessary, apparently as the result of Polzin’s negligence and callous disregard for public safety. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers. If it is determined that Polzin did drive drunk, cause this accident and attempt to leave the scene of the accident, she should receive the punishment she deserves for those criminal acts.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents in Los Angeles
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five deaths and 46 injuries involving alcohol-related El Monte car accidents. In Los Angeles County, 268 fatalities and 5,169 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of alcohol-related car collisions.
Both, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and leaving the scene of an accident are serious crimes under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “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.” The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.
California Car Accident Laws
According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
The family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer with significant experience financially pursuing drunk drivers. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their car insurance policy might apply to uninsured or underinsured drivers. Also in cases that involve negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased car accident victims may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
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.