Man Killed in Salinas DUI Car Crash
MONTEREY COUNTY -- A man killed in a fatal multi-vehicle car crash early Sunday morning has been identified as Gustavo Quintero, Salinas Californian reports. Quintero, 44, of Salinas, was traveling northbound on Highway 138 near McFadden Road, when a Chevy pick-up truck, driven by Melquiadez Mota Gomez, 29, of Watsonville, struck Quintero's vehicle head-on. Witnesses who saw Gomez driving prior to the crash said he was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed. Following this tragic collision, authorities reported Quintero had died at the scene. According to the CHP, Gomez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Cause of the Salinas Car Accident
The accident on September 25th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it appears Gomez may be is at fault for the accident due to driving under the influence. Therefore, Quintero had no way to prevent or avoid this terrible collision.
DUI Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability
Driving while drunk can have severe and catastrophic consequences to any parties involved. A person who drives under the influence will not only face criminal charges, but can be held financially liable for injured or death victims involved in the accident. Therefore, if authorities conclude that the driver who drove drunk is fully responsible for the accident, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has the experience in DUI head-on collisions such as this one, can provide the victim's family the assistance they may need in protecting their legal rights, and help them decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other related damages in this devastating car accident.
