California Injury Blog
Madison Cornwell, 23, and Anne Baldock, 24, were killed in a San Diego car crash, which officials say, were caused by a suspected drunk driver.
According to a KABC news report, the crash occurred early morning on May 15, 2015 when a 2000 Ford F-350 traveling the wrong way on
Route 163, slammed head-on into Cornwell’s 2014 Toyota Prius.
Both Cornwell and Baldock, medical students, were killed in the crash. One other fellow student, Yuki Iizuka, remains in critical condition, while two others were treated and released.
The wrong-way driver, identified as 21-year-old Jason Riley King, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He is an active-duty Marine stationed in Miramar, California Highway Patrol officials said.
King, who has also been hospitalized with major injuries, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and five counts of felony DUI causing injury or death.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the two young women who were killed in this senseless crash. We wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery.
San Diego DUI Crashes
There were 24 fatalities and 729 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions in the city of San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
Countywide, 82 people died and 1,626 were injured due to alcohol-related collisions during the same year.
California Drunk Driving Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck, King, was not only driving under the influence, but he was also driving on the wrong side of the roadway, putting others in grave danger.
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.” A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
In this particular case, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the damages caused in addition to facing criminal charges and penalties. Injured victims of this crash can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and pain and suffering.
Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled cases on behalf of DUI victims will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.