California Injury Blog
A man in his 30s was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police say, involved a drunk driver. According to a City News Service article, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred near the intersection of Compton Avenue and East 74th Street in unincorporated South Los Angeles the night of March 18, 2011. Authorities report that a Chevrolet Suburban struck a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Suburban tried to run away on foot but was apprehended by the police and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the man killed in this tragic DUI collision. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 51 people were killed and 594 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in the unincorporated of Los Angeles County. Also, countywide, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured due to DUI collisions during the same year.
Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI can certainly affect one’s judgment and ability to drive. DUI is a serious offense in California. 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, according to officials, the driver was not only under the influence and fatally injured the pedestrian, but also tried to flee the scene of the fatal injury accident, which is against California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). Leaving the scene of an injury car accident or hit-and-run is not only illegal, but also an appalling act of cruelty. I’m relieved that this dangerous driver was taken off the street.
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship and other related damages. A reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise families in such cases about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
Lost a family member in a Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. 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.