California Injury Blog
Liem Bui, 71, of Santa Ana was killed in a Fountain Valley bicycle accident after police say he was struck by a drunk driver who left the scene of the crash.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bicycle crash occurred early on the morning of Jan. 15. Police officers responding to the incident found Bui fatally injured and lying in the southbound lanes of Euclid Avenue north of Heil Avenue.
Driver Faces Charges
Police said they were able to identify the car that struck Bui, even though the driver had fled the scene. Officials found the car in Westminster with 32-year-old Amanda Martin in the driver’s seat. Martin was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Police asked anyone who had seen the crash to contact them at 714-593-4481.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Liem Bui for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the car was not only under the influence when she struck the bicyclist, but she also fled the scene of the collision leaving the fatally injured bicyclist lying in the roadway. 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), as Bui does in this case. In addition, California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires all motorists to stop immediately at the scene of the crash, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Drivers must remain at the scene, exchange pertinent information with others involved in the collision, and most importantly, help injured victims get prompt medical attention.
In such cases, injured victims or family members of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. Victims’ families may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, or loss of love, care, and companionship.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/15/bicyclist-fatally-struck-in-fountain-valley-driver-accused-of-manslaughter/