California Injury Lawyer Blog

Three people died Wednesday afternoon in a crash near Easton, the Fresno Bee reported. The crash was reported to the California Highway Patrol at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of American Avenue and Fig Avenue. According to news reports, Orlando Gomez-Benitez, 20, of Fresno, was travelling northbound on Fig Avenue when he allegedly did not stop at the stop sign at American Avenue. His Pontic Sunfire was struck by a Honda Accord travelling westbound on American Avenue. The three passengers in the Pontiac, who reportedly were not wearing seat belts, were ejected from the vehicle. Two passengers died at the scene; a third died at Community Regional Medical Center. Gomez-Benitez suffered major injuries. Both the driver of the Honda, Danny Hernandez, 27, of Fresno, and a passenger, Rogelio Cinco, 16, of Fresno, were also injured.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

Although some news outlets initially reported that alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the Fresno Bee reported that Gomez-Benitez was arrested on felony DUI charges. If this is accurate and this August 4th crash is the result of drunk driving, the driver, Orlando Gomez-Benitez, may be held both criminally and civilly liable for his actions and the wrongful deaths and injuries he caused. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to consult with a northern California drunk driving accident attorney about their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If the driver did not have adequate insurance coverage, a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer may be able to help the victims' recover damages from their own insurance policies.

Our Commitment to Stopping Drunk Driving

At Estey Bomberger, we take a strong position against drunk driving and support all efforts to stop it, as well as maximum criminal penalties for drunk drivers. We believe accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable, and there is no excuse for drinking and driving. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com, to learn more about the epidemic of drunk driving and how it destroys lives and tears apart families.

Continue reading "Three Killed, Three Injured in Alcohol-Related Crash in Fresno " »

According to KCRA News, a motorcyclist died Tuesday night and 10 people were injured, including two young children, in a crash on Interstate 505 near Winters that the CHP says was alcohol related. The Yolo County crash occurred around 10 p.m. when a vehicle carrying six people spun out of control and struck a guardrail near SR 128. The driver of that vehicle was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Two cars travelling southbound on 505 were not able to avoid the wreckage. A motorcyclist also swerved to avoid the wreckage, but ended up losing control and crashing. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The injured victims were taken to four area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to major.

Cause of the Winters Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the August 3rd multi vehicle crash near Winters. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the accident was at least partially, if not completely, caused by a drunk driver. Toxicology tests are pending and the CHP is also investigating other possible contributing factors.

Liability for Injuries and Deaths Resulting From Drunk Driving Accidents

Drinking and driving kills more than a thousand people a year in California alone. At Estey Bomberger, our personal injury attorneys fight to protect the rights of injured victims of drunk driving accidents, and families who have lost loved ones in accidents caused by drunk drivers. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims of this Highway 505 crash would be well-advised to contact a northern California drunk driving accident injury lawyer about their legal rights following this accident. A skilled lawyer can help them hold the at-fault parties responsible and recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries or loved one's wrongful death.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed, 10 Injured in Alcohol-Related Crash on Interstate 505 " »

Three people were taken to hospitals with major injuries following a violent three-car collision on Highway 12 in Glen Ellen on Sunday night, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The crash occurred west of Madrone Road at about 9 p.m., and involved a Nissan Altima, a Honda CRV, and a silver Acura RSX.

According to news reports, the driver of the Nissan, Edgar Ramirez, 30, swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the Honda CRV driven by Stacy Burmer, 44, of Sanger. The Acura was directly behind Burmer's Honda CRV. The driver of the Acura, Jessica Petro, 27, of Santa Rosa, swerved to avoid the oncoming Nissan but hit the Honda and then struck a guardrail.

Ramirez and Burmer both suffered "severe" injuries and were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospital. A passenger in the Honda CRV, Debra Skelton, 40, of Sanger, was also taken to Memorial Hospital, along with Jessica Petro, the driver of the Acura.

Cause of the Highway 12 Crash

According to news reports in the Sonoma Index-Tribune, the CHP public information officer for the Napa region said the CHP is continuing its investigation to determine if Ramirez was under the influence of alcohol, "as it appears," when he hit Burmer's Honda. The cause of the July 12th Highway 12 crash remains under investigation. However, it sounds like this crash may have been alcohol-related.

Head-on Crashes and Personal Injury Liability

When another driver crosses into oncoming traffic on a highway and causes a head-on collision, he may be liable for the serious injuries of everyone involved. In situations such as this one, where drunk driving may have been a contributing factor in a crash, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a northern California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer who has represented victims of alcohol-related crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights and obtain the maximum compensation for their injuries, including their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering related to an accident.

Continue reading "Major Injuries Reported in Highway 12 Head-On Collision " »

An 8-year-old boy was the victim of a high-speed alcohol-related accident on Highway 1 early Tuesday morning in Seaside, KSBW News reported. The boy, who was not identified, was a passenger in a 1993 Lexus GS 300 sedan that was estimated to be travelling faster than 120 mph.

According to news reports, the driver of the Lexus, the father of the 8-year-old, tried to exit the freeway at the Fremont / Del Monte Blvd exit in Seaside, but was travelling too fast. The vehicle hit a guardrail and was sheared in half.

The driver of the Lexus, Zabdiel Arciga of Marina, suffered only minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of DUI by Cal State Monterey Bay Police. His son was flown to Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Drunk Driving Needs to Stop

This July 27th accident is appalling and heartbreaking at the same time. A young life was taken in a horrific that could so easily have been prevented. It is just another reminder of how drunk driving is an epidemic problem in California. Why would a grown adult drive 120 mph with a young child in the car? This year, there have been a number of innocent children killed as passengers in alcohol-related accidents. Just this weekend, a 4-year-old boy was killed in an alcohol-related accident in Tulare County, when the driver of the vehicle he was riding in ran a stop sign.

Make the Choice to Never Drink and Drive

At Estey Bomberger, we are only too aware of how drunk driving takes innocent lives and destroys families every single day. Visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com to see our DUI accident calendar and learn what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community. The decision to not drink and drive starts with you.

Continue reading "8-Year-Old Boy Killed in 120 MPH Drunk Driving Crash on Highway 1 " »

A 4-year-old boy tragically died Friday night in a suspected DUI crash near Cutler, the California Highway Patrol reported. According to news reports in the Fresno Bee, the victim, 4-year-old Angel Lopez, was a passenger in a Toyota driven eastbound on Avenue 440 by Rodolfo Rangle, 32, of Cutler.

Rangle apparently ran a stop sign at the intersection of Avenue 440 and Road 120, and drove into the path of a northbound 2001 Dodge. The driver of the Dodge braked to try and avoid the collision, but the front bumper of the vehicle collided with the right side of the Toyota.

Lopez was flown to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. Rangle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It was not clear what the relationship was between Rangle and Lopez. The occupants of the Dodge, Evelyn Hernandez, 55, of Orange Cove, 4-year-old Destiny Raygoza of Visalia and 60-year-old Alice Hernandez of Visalia, were taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please keep the family of Angel Lopez in your prayers as they are grieving the loss of this young, innocent boy. If news reports of this July 23rd accident are true, it is absolutely appalling that a grown adult would knowingly endanger a child by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Tulare County Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that this two-vehicle collision was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Rodolfo Rangle. If news reports are accurate and he is determined to have caused this crash because he was driving under the influence of alcohol, he may be facing criminal charges for his passenger's death and the injuries of the occupants of the Dodge. Additionally, Rangle may be held financially responsible for the serious personal injuries of the occupants of the Dodge, and the wrongful death of his passenger.

Continue reading "4-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Orosi" »

Four people were injured in a head-on collision on Highway 89 Wednesday night in Nevada County, the Sierra Sun reported. The accident was reported south of Rampart at about 5 p.m. According to news reports, A 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck heading north collided with a 2002 Acura MDX SUV headed south. The impact sent the Acura down a nearby embankment where it struck a cyclist. The three occupants of the Acura, a 42-year-old woman, a 66-year-old woman and a 6-year-old girl, all from Tahoe City, suffered major injuries in the crash. The 34-year-old driver of the Chevrolet truck, a Squaw Valley resident, suffered major injuries. The cyclist, a man from Salt Lake City, suffered minor injuries.

Cause of the Highway 89 Crash

The Sierra Sun reported that the driver of the pickup truck, who was taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is not clear if he was driving on the wrong-side of the road or how exactly the collision occurred.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In this particular Highway 89 crash, it is determined that the driver of the northbound Chevy pickup truck caused the head-on collision, he or she may be liable for the injuries of the three occupants of the Acura and the cyclist. When accidents are caused by a drunk driver, in addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, the driver may be liable for the victims' medical treatment expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The victims' family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced northern California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully represented victims of accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Protecting the Rights of DUI Accident Victims

At Estey Bomberger, we believe accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. The decision to drink and drive is both reckless and negligent, and drivers who drive under the influence should be held accountable for their actions. For more information about what you can do to stop drinking and driving in your community, visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 89 " »

A wine-tasting outing ended in tragedy when a suspected drunk driver killed two women in a side-impact collision on Geyserville Avenue, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The Sonoma County accident, which involved a 2004 Hyundai SUV and a 2001 Subaru Forrester, occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Geyservile Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 101. Authorities believe the driver of the Hyundai, Lyndsay Murray-Mazany was under the influence of alchol when she drove strait through a 90-degree turn and struck the left side of the eastbound 2001 Subaru Forrester.

Two passengers and close friends in the Subaru, Beverly Jones and Nancy McBride, both 77 and from Cloverdale, were killed on impact. The driver of the Subaru, Katherine Hinzman, 56, of Cloverdale, and two other passengers, Alice Sheperia, 82, and Barbara King, 70, both of Cloverdale, suffered moderate to major injuries. All were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Neither Murray-Mazany or the three passengers in her Hyundai were hurt. The CHP is investigating the crash. According to the Press Democrat, the CHP was retracing the route of the Murray-Mazany and the wine-tasting group, to see if any people in the tasting rooms had observed signs of impairment or intoxication.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of all of the victims of this crash, a tight-knit group of women from Cloverdale who were headed to dinner after watching a play in Santa Rosa. Please keep all of their families in your prayers.

DUI Accidents and Liability Considerations

When a driver under the influence of alcohol causes an accident, that driver is responsible for the consequences of her actions, and in addition to criminal charges for drunk driving, may be held financially liable for the injuries or death that occur. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of all of the occupants in the Subaru would be well-advised to speak to a northern California personal injury attorney as soon as possible about a civil claim for this drunk driving accident. A skilled lawyer can help the victims of this accident protect their legal rights to hold the driver (and any other parties that may be liable for this crash) fully responsible for the serious injuries and wrongful deaths that occurred in this crash.

Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving

At Estey Bomberger, we believe every accident caused by a drunk driver is 100% preventable. Our attorneys are advocates for reducing the number of serious accidents that are caused by drunk drivers by raising awareness about how drunk driving destroys lives and tears apart families. The decision to stop drunk driving can start with you. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com to learn more about what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community.

Continue reading "Two Cloverdale Women Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Geyserville" »

In what is a tragic reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving, four teens were injured, three seriously, in a horrific SUV rollover crash in Folsom late Wednesday night. Folsom Police say alcohol and drugs appeared to play a role in the solo vehicle crash. Broken whiskey bottles, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia were found nearby, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The accident occurred on Heritage Place just before midnight on Wednesday, July 7th. Police say the SUV was speeding north on Heritage when the driver swerved onto a sidewalk and rolled multiple times. The 17-year-old unlicensed driver, the only one of the four occupants wearing a seat belt, suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing serious injury and booked at the Sacramento Juvenile Hall. The three other teens, two males and one female, suffered very serious injuries. Folsom police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Social Host Laws

Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a "Social Host Ordinance" that holds adults responsible for hosting, or knowingly providing a venue for gatherings, when they reasonably should have known underage drinking would occur. In California, parents and adults who furnish alcohol to teens can be found liable for injuries caused by drinking and driving accidents. "Social Host" ordinances address the problems of underage drinking facilitated by enabling parents and other adults who are aware of underage alcohol consumption at private residences, but fail to stop it. (See News 10 story " Sacramento County law against underage drinking could land parents in jail.")

Continue reading "Four Teens Hurt In Suspected DUI Crash in Folsom " »

A 21-year-old man tragically died and two others were seriously hurt early Thursday following a head-on collision caused by a suspected drunk driver, the Manteca Bulletin reported. The San Joaquin County crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday July 1st , south of Yosemite Avenue. According to news reports, the CHP received calls from motorists shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday who had seen a Ford Explorer travelling southbound in the northbound lanes of the freeway, near French Camp road. Officers were dispatched to the area, but unfortunately, before they could head the driver off the road, a head-on collision occurred.

The SUV, a 1996 blue Ford Explorer, was driven by Tiffany Holmes, 35, of Stockton. Holmes collided head on with a 1997 Honda Accord travelling in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 in Manteca. The female driver and male passenger, both 21, were taken to regional trauma centers, where the man later died. The 3-year-old girl in their vehicle was airlifted to U.C. Davis Medical Center. The man and woman in the Honda were wearing seat belts, and the 3-year-old girl was properly restrained. Holmes suffered two broken legs, but is expected to survive. The CHP reported she is being charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence causing injury.

Cause of the Highway 99 Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Ford Explorer is at fault for this collision, although the California Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident. Drunk driving accidents are especially heartbreaking because they are 100% preventable. Our condolences go out to the family members of the young couple and the young girl, whose lives are forever changed as a result of this accident. Please keep their families and in your prayers.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to criminal charges for drunken driving causing injury and death, the suspected drunken driver may also be held financially responsible for the injuries and death resulting from this collision. While this July 1st Highway 99 accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to talk to a California personal injury attorney about their legal rights and holding the at-fault driver responsible for her actions in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. An attorney who has successfully represented victims of drunk-driving wrong-way collisions can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain the maximum compensation they may be entitled to following this accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Hurt in Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 99 " »

One person was arrested and another person was taken to a hospital following a two-vehicle accident Sunday evening in Penngrove, the Press Democrat reported. The June 27th collision occurred at about 6:20 p.m. at Petaluma Hill Road and Valley House Drive.

According to news reports, Rush Bowers, 31, of Santa Rosa, crashed his Toyota 4-Runner SUV with a Toyota Camry driven by Ann Stafford, 70, of Petaluma. Stafford suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Bowers was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving and child cruelty, and booked in the Sonoma County Jail. Bowers had two children and one adult in the car at the time of the accident. They were not injured.

Cause of the Sonoma County Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the 4-Runner is responsible for the Petaluma Hill Road collision. However, the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

DUI Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In addition to criminal charges for drunken driving, a drunk driver may also be held financially liable for injuries sustained in an accident in a civil claim. While this accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the family of Ann Stafford would be well-advised to consult with a California personal injury attorney who is experienced in representing victims of drunk driving accidents. Victims of car accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for medical care expenses, any lost earnings, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be recovered.

Continue reading "Petaluma Woman Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Penngrove " »

A 28-year-old Bakersfield woman died Wednesday night after the car she was riding it was struck by a suspected drunk driver, ABC News reported. The victim was identified as Perla Gonzalez, 28, of Bakersfield. The accident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Kentucky Street. KERO ABC News reported that 23-year-old Marcus Trevino of Fallbrook (San Diego County) was speeding in an orange Mitsubishi on Kentucky Avenue toward Mount Vernon Avenue.

Authorities believe Trevino ran a stop sign, broadsiding an Infiniti driven by Cherie Marie Lopez, 19. Lopez, passenger Perla Gonzalez, and her 1-year-old Jayden Gonzalez were pinned in the Infiniti and were rescued by bystanders. Lopez suffered minor injuries. Perla Gonzalez died of her injuries at Kern Medical Center. Trevino, the suspected drunk driver, was not hurt. He was arrested on charges of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Drunk Driving Liability

Crashes caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. Drunk driving destroys not just lives, but entire families. While this absolutely devastating crash is under investigation, the family of Perla Gonzalez would be well-advised to contact a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help hold the driver responsible for his actions in a wrongful death suit, and obtain compensation for the victim's unexpected loss, including damages for funeral and medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Woman Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Kern County " »

Four people, including a 12-year-old boy, were airlifted to hospitals after a head-on collision on Highway 53 Wednesday morning in Lake County, the Lake County Record Bee reported. Stephen Phipps, 46, of Clearlake, was driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck northbound on Highway 53 near Anderson Ranch Parkway, when he crossed over the center turn lane and into southbound traffic, directly in the path of a 2000 Oldsmobile van driven by Luisa Enriquez, 43, of Clearlake. The June 2nd collision occurred at about 7:40 a.m., and the vehicles came to a rest blocking one of the southbound lanes.

Luisa Enriquez was flown by a REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with broken bones in her legs. A 12-year-old boy in her vehicle was taken by ambulance to St. Helena Hospital and then flown to Oakland Children's Hospital with fractured bones in his leg, arm and face.

Phipps was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was blown by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with internal injuries. A passenger in his pickup truck was also flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with internal injuries. According to the CHP, all parties were wearing their seat belts and airbags deployed in both vehicles.

Continue reading "Four Airlifted After Lake County Crash; Clearlake Man Arrested " »

Two passengers in a Honda died Wednesday evening when a large hay baler truck struck the vehicle they were riding in, the Visalia Times-Delta reported. The Tulare County accident was reported at 5:55 p.m., at the intersection of Avenue 232 and Road 36, west of Tulare.

According to the Tulare County Fire Department, the two men who were killed were back seat passengers in the Honda. The driver of the Honda, Ullses Bello Gomez, 27, was travelling west on Avenue 232 (Tulare Avenue) when he attempted a left turn onto Road 36. The Honda was then struck by a hay baler going east on Avenue 232, driven by Robert Alavarado Jr., 55, of Tulare. Alvarado was not injured in the crash. Gomez was airlifted to Community Regional Hospital in Fresno with major injuries. One of the victims was identified as Alfredo Salado, 20.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the fatal May 27th crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, the Times-Delta reported that the driver of the Honda was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The investigation is ongoing and it was not clear how CHP officers determined the driver was under the influence.

Continue reading "Two Passengers Killed Southwest of Visalia in Suspected DUI Crash with Hay Baler Truck" »

The Daily Breeze reported this week that a Silver Lake man has filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against RA Sushi in Torrance, and its parent company, Benihana, for the death of his wife following a car accident on July 2, 2009.

According to the suit, the sushi restaurant on Carson Street provided alcoholic beverages to Paul Kyu Kim, 20, knowing he was drunk, and allowed him to drive away, even though he showed classic symptoms of intoxication. After he left the restaurant, Kim allegedly drove on the Long Beach Freeway (710 Freeway) at speeds reaching 100 mph, and crashed into the back of a car driven by Drean Handley, 59, of Silver Lake.

Drean suffered a broken spine, broken ribs, major internal injuries and paralysis. She died of her injuries a week after the crash.

Kim was charged with driving under the influence causing injuring, and driving with a 0.08 BAC level or more. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently free on bail awaiting court proceedings in Compton, scheduled for May 18. If convicted, he could receive up to 10 years in prison.

According to the Daily Breeze, "The lawsuit uses RA Sushi's own marketing strategy against itself as a place that caters to young patrons. The lawsuit cites references on the restaurant's Web site that calls it a place "Where Iron Chef meets Girls Gone Wild," and "The perfect place to cut loose with good friends, toss back a few, and enjoy the best damn sushi the ocean has to offer."

Civil Liability For Providing Alcohol to Minors

A dram shop is a legal term that refers to an establishment where alcohol is served, such as a restaurant, bar or tavern. Dram shop laws hold retail establishments accountable for any harm--death, injury, or other damages--caused by an intoxicated patron. In California, dram shop liability is limited to cases involving alcohol sales to intoxicated minors, as is allegedly the case in this wrongful death suit. Laws vary from state to state, but serving alcohol to minors is illegal in all 50 states, and restaurants and bars may be held financially accountable for the consequences.

Continue reading "Man Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Sushi Restaurant For Wife's Death " »

A 35-year-old Richmond man died Wednesday night when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver in San Pablo, authorities reported. The victim, Anthony Walker, 35, of Richmond, was riding his motorcycle home from a Bible study class at Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship on Church Lane when he was hit by the Ford pickup truck. He died in the street at the scene of the crash.

The driver of the pickup truck, Juan Manuel Ruelas, 43, fled the scene of the accident on foot with the pickup truck still running and his brother sitting in the passenger seat. Police found him at his home in Richmond early Thursday morning, where he was arrested. He had been driving on a suspended license and was currently on probation for a prior DUI conviction, police told the Contra Costa Times.

Ruelas was arrested on charges of felony hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. DMV records revealed his license had been suspended after two DUI convictions, including one just two months ago. He is currently being held on $200,000 bail.

This completely preventable tragedy is heartbreaking. KTVU News reported Walker, an employee of the County of Marin, was the father of a three-year-old little girl, and was being trained to become a firefighter. Our sympathy goes out to Anthony Walker's family and friends for their sudden and unexpected loss. If Ruelas was determined to be intoxicated, we hope is prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Civil Liability and Wrongful Death

If the news reports of this incident are correct, this accident was caused by the reckless actions of the drunk driver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. In cases such as this one, 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). In addition to criminal charges for drunk driving, the victim may also be held responsible financially in a civil wrongful death claim. The victim's family may pursue a California wrongful death claim and seek monetary damages to cover funeral expenses, loss of future earning, loss of love and companionship, and other expenses related to the accident.

Continue reading "East Bay Man Struck and Killed by Suspected Repeat Drunk Driver in San Pablo" »