Aiden Gossage, 16, was killed in a Long Beach pedestrian accident, which officials say may have been caused by a suspected DUI driver.
According to a report in the Long Beach Post, the fatal crash occurred the night of Sept. 4 when Gossage was crossing Los Coyotes Diagonal and Deborah Street in a marked crosswalk just north of Willow Street.
Charges Filed
Police said Gossage was pronounced dead at the scene in spite of efforts from officers and bystanders to provide life-saving measures. Officials said Gossage was hit by a Chevrolet Tracker SUV driven by 33-year-old Kevin Chris Dahl of Lakewood. Dahl was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Aiden Gossage, his friends, and community members 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 SUV that hit Gossage was not only under the influence at the time, but also struck and fatally injured a pedestrian who was legally crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. It is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Justice for Victims and Families
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, DUI drivers can also be held liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause. In cases where it is applicable, the driver’s employer can also be held liable. Victims and their families who have been harmed by a DUI driver would be well advised to contact an experienced Long Beach DUI victims’ lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and help them receive maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://lbpost.com/news/victim-killed-in-suspected-dui-crash-saturday-night-idd-as-16-year-old-long-beach-boy