San Francisco Area Car Accident Results in Fatality
A DUI collision in Walnut Creek resulted in the death of 57-year-old Kathleen Moorhead the evening of July 17, 2010. Bay City News reports that Moorhead was hit by a suspected drunk driver at the intersection of Bancroft Road and Treat Boulevard. Moorhead, who was walking legally on a sidewalk, was struck by a Chevy pickup truck whose driver lost control of the vehicle. The driver of the pickup is facing drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter charges. Moorhead died at a local medical center. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Kathleen Moorhead. This grieving family will be in my prayers.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Twenty people died and 446 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents in Contra Costa County as a whole. In Walnut Creek, there were no fatalities, but 40 injuries were reported as a result of DUI crashes.
Laws and Liability Issues
California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a) prohibits motorists from driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. If the drunk driving results in a fatal accident, the suspected driver is likely to also face gross 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."
It would be in the best interest of deceased victims' families to seek the counsel of a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer who has financially pursued drunk drivers and held them accountable for their actions. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD's web site at www.madd.org.
What are some new laws that can help curb drunk driving in California?
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.
