Jose Absalon Barrientos, 54, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after a suspected drunk driver crashed her van into his Harley Davidson motorcycle. According to a news report in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the afternoon of November 1, 2009 when Sherri Lee Chinn, 38 crossed over to opposing traffic lanes on the Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz and struck Barrientos. The van also struck a BMW that was being driven by Barrientos' partner. Their 7-month-old daughter, who was strapped into a car seat, was uninjured. The driver of the BMW sustained minor injuries. One of two men riding in the van with Chinn also died from injuries.
Drunk Driving Causes Tragedy
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jose Absalon Barrientos for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It's indeed fortunate that Barrientos' partner and the baby were not seriously injured. I also offer my sympathies to the loved ones of the other individual who has died in this motorcycle accident. This incident is somber reminder of the devastating consequences drinking and driving can have on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.
California DUI Laws
Police said Chinn had a blood alcohol level of 0.24 percent, three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent. 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 vehicle code section also states that it is illegal for a motorist to drive in California with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. Chinn now faces felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter charges. She apparently already had two prior DUI convictions and was driving on a suspended license.
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, it is in the best interest of injured victims and their families to enlist the help and guidance of an experienced
San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable injury attorney can also tell these victims and their families how their car insurance will apply in an accident case that involves a driver who is operating without insurance coverage or is underinsured.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
