A DUI collision the morning of June 20, 2010 resulted in the death of 20-year-old Ruben C. Vasquez. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Vasquez was driving on the 60 freeway near Chino when he was rear-ended by 33-year-old Daniel Rosas. Officials say Rosas was operating his vehicle under the influence. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Vasquez was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after the accident.
My deepest condolences go to everybody who knew and loved Ruben Vasquez. They will certainly be in my prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were three fatalities and 436 injuries involving car accidents in Chino, according to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Bernardino County, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
DUI Laws in California
Drunk driving is a serious crime 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."
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, family members of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and hold the negligent parties accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
What are some of your ideas for getting repeat DUI offenders off the road? We would like to hear your opinions. For more information about preventing drunk driving accidents, please visit Mothers Against Drunk Driving's web site at www.madd.org.
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.
