California Injury Blog
Los Angeles County DUI Accident Kills Man
Maximino Angeles Hernandez, 41, a Los Angeles Times delivery truck driver was killed in a North Hills head-on collision after his pickup truck was hit by a suspected drunk driver. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, Hernandez was on his way to work the morning of March 29, 2009, when a Hyundai driven by 23-year-old Sueng Lee crossed the dividing lane and struck Hernandez’s Mazda pickup. The fatal auto accident occurred on Woodley Avenue near Parthenia Street. Lee was driving under the influence of alcohol, police said. He was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries and then arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Maximino Angeles Hernandez for their tragic loss. Here was a hard-working man who suffered an untimely death because a negligent motorist decided to drink and get behind the wheel! My heart goes out to the family, friends and co-workers of this victim. Please keep them in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were 712 auto accident fatalities in Los Angeles County out of which 268 were alcohol-related. There were also 5,169 injury auto accidents that involved alcohol in Los Angeles County during that time period.
I hope this suspected drunk driver, Seung Lee, is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Lee should be held civilly and criminally responsible for this horrific auto accident. Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs (recreational or prescription) is not only irresponsible and unethical, but it is also against 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 Hernandez family would be well-advised to contact a reputed top-rated Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who is particularly experienced dealing with DUI auto accident cases. At Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, we have pursued and continue to pursue several drunk drivers who caused serious injury to our clients. We will not rest until we get justice and fair compensation for our injured clients, who continue to suffer because of someone else’s negligence, recklessness and disregard for the safety of others.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will also determine whether there were any other factors, such as a dangerous roadway, which contributed to the auto accident. If the motorist, Lee, was on the job or running an errand for someone at the time of the accident, he and his employer could be held liable for the accident and wrongful death of Hernandez. Please remember that the best California personal injury lawyers will always provide a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.