California Injury Blog
The driver of a Ford Econoline van sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident that happened the morning of March 4, 2010 on the 405 Freeway, in Torrance. The Daily Breeze reports that police arrested the drunk driver suspected of causing the collision. Adriano Baek, 27, was booked on one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of DUI causing injury or death.
Baek was driving south on the freeway near the Crenshaw Boulevard off-ramp when he attempted an unsafe lane change and ended up rear-ending the Ford van at a high rate of speed. The van driver lost control of his vehicle, veered across lanes, hit another vehicle and went down an embankment.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved the deceased van driver. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Drunk Driving Statistics
There were two fatalities and 30 injuries involving DUI collisions in Torrance, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2008.
California DUI Laws
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). These are the charges Baek is facing in this case. If he is determined to have been intoxicated, I hope he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Liability Issues
In such cases, victims’ families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who is also experienced in financially pursuing drunk drivers. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earning, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.