Carl Logan, 71, Hyun Kim, 49, and Richard Jung, 21, were all killed in a Bakersfield car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver. The Bakersfield Californian reports that the chain-reaction crash occurred when 23-year-old Herculano Hernadez who was speeding on the Highway 46 the morning of January 1, 2010, rear-ended a Honda driven by Jung. The impact of the collision caused the Honda to crash into an oncoming 2008 Chevy pickup truck driven by Carl Logan. The Honda and the pickup reportedly crashed head-on.
Jung and his 49-year-old mother, Hyun Kim, both died at the scene. Carl Logan and his 69-year-old wife, Vivian Logan, were taken to an area hospital. Both had sustained critical injuries. Carl Logan died later at the hospital, while his wife remains in serious condition. Hernandez has been booked on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges and did not suffer any injuries.
My heart goes out to the innocent victims of this crash and their families. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the Logan family and the family of Jung and Kim for their devastating loss. These victims and their families will certainly be in my prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were 42 fatalities and 507 injuries reported in Kern County in 2007 as a result of alcohol-related car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. Based on the news report, Carl Logan's death moves up the tally of fatalities on Highway 46 in Kern County over the past three months to 10.
California DUI Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in California. 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."
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."
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
The victims and families in this case would be well-advised to consult a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has successfully held negligent drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how a claim for compensation can be made through their car insurance policy in case the at-fault driver does not have car insurance or sufficient insurance coverage.
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.
