A DUI collision in Santa Barbara proved fatal for 49-year-old Manuel Garcia the evening of April 29, 2010, the Daily Sound reports. The fatal collision occurred on Highway 154 near Circle V Ranch when a 42-year-old driver of a Nissan pickup truck slammed head-on into Garcia's Toyota Scion. Garcia was fatally injured while his wife, a passenger in the Scion, sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized. The driver of the pickup truck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of the Garcias for their terrible loss. Not only have they lost a beloved family member, but they also have another in the hospital, possibly fighting for her life. Tragic! My thoughts and prayers go out to this grieving family.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 deaths and 1,952 injuries as a result of car accidents in Santa Barbara County. Also, countywide, DUI collisions claimed 19 lives and caused 287 injuries in 2008.
DUI Laws
It is a serious crime in California to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or prescription drugs under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."
Protecting Victims' Rights
In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed personal injury lawyer, who has held drunk drivers financially accountable on behalf of injured clients. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages while families of deceased victims can claim compensation for wrongful death.
What penalties should repeat drunk drivers face in California? How can we get these repeat offenders off our roadways?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
