A man was killed in a San Diego car accident, which officials say, was caused by a wrong-way driver who was under the influence. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, 20-year-old Kathleen Sloan was driving a Ford Explorer SUV west in the eastbound lanes of the Interstate 8, the afternoon of November 1, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say the Explorer then collided with a Ford Econoline van. The driver of the van died at the scene. Sloan sustained major injuries. She was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. 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), there were 33 fatalities and 408 injuries involving DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Also, countywide, 104 people died and 2,033 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.
California DUI Laws
It is a serious crime under California law to drink and drive. 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). In this case, the driver, Sloan, was also traveling the wrong way on the freeway.
Liability Issues
In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing may be involved, a family of a deceased car accident victim could file a wrongful death claim. Such claims, usually filed by immediate family members, seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Families of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the families’ legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims’ families about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
Lost a family member in a San Diego 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 San Diego DUI car accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Diego 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.