California Injury Blog
A woman in San Diego is facing murder charges in connection with a fatal DUI collision that killed 95-year-old Benjamin Friedman on April 21, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that 47-year-old Melanie Rebecca Flores is accused of driving under the influence and causing a multi-vehicle accident in Coronado, which killed Friedman who was a passenger in one of the vehicles.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Benjamin Friedman for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Drunk Driving Collisions
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 fatalities and 2,033 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego County. In Coronado, there were no deaths, but eight injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents.
Laws and Liability Issues
Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. 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.” In this particular case, Flores is facing murder charges. Very often, prosecutors will press murder charges in fatal DUI cases where the defendant has prior drunk driving convictions.
Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit www.madd.org
What can legislators do to make sure that repeat DUI offenders don’t drive?
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.