California Injury Blog
Alhambra police have arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence after a vehicle crashed into a pole killing the front passenger the night of March 24. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the four-door sedan heading west on Valley Boulevard in Alhambra lost control and hit a concrete light pole.
Driving Under the Influence Suspected
The vehicle had suffered major damage to the right side and responding officers found a 21-year-old woman unresponsive in the front passenger seat. She was transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries. Two men at the scene told police they were in the vehicle at the time of the crash and were detained.
One of the men, Marquez Juan Fuentes Lizardo, was identified by a witness as the driver of the vehicle. Police said Fuentes Lizardo showed signs of being drunk. A breath test revealed his blood alcohol content or BAC was twice the legal limit, which is 0.08. The other man was released. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the young woman who died in this suspected DUI crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. 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.” The same section also states that drivers should not operate with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.
In such cases where passengers are injured or killed due to the actions of a driver who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, it is important to remember that passengers or families of passengers have legal rights. In cases where a passenger is killed, his or her family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.
In addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, DUI drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims or families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI victims’ lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
21-year-old woman killed in Alhambra crash; Santa Ana man arrested