California Injury Blog
Kristen Bedard, 36, was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking down a Poway street. According to a 10news report, Bedard was walking north on a sidewalk in the 13700 block of Community Road in Poway the morning of November 23, 2009 when a southbound vehicle driven by 44-year-old Becky Marie Anderson veered off the roadway and struck Bedard, who died at the scene. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Anderson on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kristen Bedard for their tragic and devastating loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this innocent victim. Please keep them in your prayers.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents in San Diego
California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics report that there was one fatality and 18 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Poway, California. In San Diego County as a whole, 116 people were killed and 2,068 were injured in DUI car accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 51 lives and injured 1,068 people during the same year.
If the details of this news report are accurate, Anderson seems to have been at fault for driving under the influence. Bedard was walking on a sidewalk — exactly where she should have been safe. It was apparently Anderson who went off the roadway and struck Bedard. Clearly, Anderson was not in control of her vehicle.
California DUI Laws
It is against California law to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs – recreational or prescription. 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.” If a person whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another, it will most likely result in vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).
The family of Kristen Bedard would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will keep up with the police investigation and help hold the negligent parties accountable. In my opinion, negligent and drunk drivers should be held criminally and civilly liable for causing such devastating car accidents. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.