California Injury Blog
Bryan Bogan, 61, died from injuries he sustained in a Long Beach car accident two weeks ago, which officials say, involved a suspected DUI driver. According to a report in The Press Telegram, the incident occurred on the afternoon of March 24 when Bogan and another man were struck by a minivan on westbound Del Amo Boulevard near Locust Avenue. Bogan and a 71-year-old Torrance man were standing between a Honda Accord and a Mercedes E320 in the far right lane on Del Amo while removing towing equipment.
DUI and Hit-and-Run Charges
The driver of the minivan, identified as 50-year-old Charlette Anne Colton, rear-ended the Accord, which plowed into the men. Colton is accused of fleeing on foot, but was located and arrested shortly afterward. Prosecutors say Colton’s blood alcohol content or BAC was at least 0.20 at the time of the crash, which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. She also had a prior DUI conviction in 2012, officials said.
Colton was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, driving with a BAC of 0.08 or more and hit-and-run. She could face additional charges as well, officials said. The second man who was hit was hospitalized with injuries but later released.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Bryan Bogan for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. We also wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep all those who were affected in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Compensation Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver, Colton, was under the influence of alcohol when she struck the two men. Under California Vehicle Code 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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 addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, at-fault drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Long Beach DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to guide victims and families during this difficult time and help them seek maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.presstelegram.com/2020/04/08/man-dies-more-than-a-week-after-struck-by-alleged-dui-driver-in-long-beach/