California Injury Blog
Briauna Ramirez, 18, was killed in a Lynwood DUI crash after the vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by a wrong-way driver, who officials said, was under the influence. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, Ramirez had just celebrated her 18th birthday and was among several passengers who were injured in the crash. She was in a vehicle that was traveling on the 105 Freeway in Lynwood early morning on Oct. 22 when someone driving the wrong way in a 1999 Honda crashed head-on into the vehicle in which Ramirez was riding.
Remembering an Accomplished Woman
Ramirez died at the scene. The driver and surviving passengers in that vehicle were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The suspected drunk driver who was arrested has only been identified as a West Covina man. Ramirez, a valedictorian and accomplished dancer in the Palm Springs area, has been remembered as someone who was always willing to help others. Her family has donated her organs to patients in need and more than $12,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe account to support her family, CBS reports.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Briauna Ramirez for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs under California law. 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).
In this particular case, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for their injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation as well.
Injured victims and their families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI victims’ lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In addition to criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held financially responsible for the damages they cause.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/10/25/briauna-ramirez-go-fund-me/