California Injury Blog
Corbin White, 18, was killed in an Orange car accident after the vehicle in which she was a passenger was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred early morning on January 3, 2010 at the intersection of Main Street and MacArthur Boulevard in Santa Ana when 36-year-old Robert Charles Serrano slammed his BMW into a Toyota Scion carrying White, who died the next day from her injuries. Serrano fled the scene of the accident, but was arrested shortly afterward at the home of a relative. He has been charged with one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one felony count of fleeing an accident scene.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young victim, Corbin White, for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this teenager. Please keep them in your prayers.
DUI Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven deaths and 175 injuries involving alcohol-related traffic accidents in Santa Ana, California. Countywide, 75 people died and 1,501 people were injured as a result of DUI car accidents during the same year.
If the details of this news report are accurate, Serrano had just left a bar in the area before this fatal car accident. Not only did he decide to get behind the wheel drunk but he also, caused a major injury wreck and ran from the scene of the crash. If he is found guilty then I trust he will be suitably punished for his actions.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious violation under California Vehicle Code 23152 (a). If the act of driving under the influence results in the death of someone other than the drunk driver, it could result in gross vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: “Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence.”
Wrongful Death Claim
In cases where such negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims may file what is known as a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of love and companionship and related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer can help families through this difficult time by staying on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.