California Injury Blog
Sergio Rios Padilla, 23, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. The Long Beach Telegram reports that the fatal motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Florence Avenue in Downey, early morning on October 8, 2010. Police say 31-year-old Daniel Sokyra, who was driving a GMC pickup truck, ran a red light and struck Padilla. The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and died at the hospital shortly after the car accident. Sokyra has been booked on suspicion of felony drunken driving.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends Sergio Rios Padilla. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic car accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 28 people were injured in Downey motorcycle accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 fatalities and 2,934 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
California Vehicle Code Violations
Authorities believe that Sokyra was driving under the influence of alcohol and that he ran a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.” Also, 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.”
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Car accident victims’ families would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a car accident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. 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 Los Angeles 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 Downey car accident. Call 866-310-6361. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles 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.
In your opinion, should first-time DUI offenders be made to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles?
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.