California Injury Blog
Destanee Arlene Little, 19, was killed and two others — 20-year-old David Heredia and Chaunnel Renberg, 20 — were hurt in a DUI collision near Lodi, California. According to a News-Sentinel article, the fatal car crash occurred the night of June 12, 2010 on West Lane at Armstrong Road. Little was driving an Oldsmobile Cutlass south on West Lane and nearing Armstrong. At that point, Benjamin Serratos III, 29, who was driving a 2008 Honda Accord, rear-ended Little’s vehicle. The Cutlass then went out of control and crashed into a traffic light.
Little sustained fatal injuries. Heredia was transported to a local hospital with complaints of pain. Renberg suffered fractured ribs and abrasions. Serratos, who fled the scene of the crash, was later arrested on suspicion of DUI, vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving on a suspended license.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Destanee Arlene Little. Based on this article, Little was a beloved friend to many and had also touched many lives. Tragic! I also wish Heredia and Renberg the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 31 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Lodi. In San Joaquin County, 30 people died and 450 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in 2008.
Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious crime. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “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.” In this case, Serratos has also been charged with vehicular manslaughter and is likely to face a murder charge because he has a prior DUI conviction. In addition he faces a felony hit-and-run charge for leaving the scene of a major injury accident. Apparently, he ran because he wasn’t even supposed to be driving. He was driving on a suspended license.
Protecting their Rights
In such cases where negligence and wrongdoing are apparent, it is in the best interests of injured victims or their families to retain the services of a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has experience and a successful track record holding drunk drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s website at www.madd.org.
What more do you think law enforcement can or should do to keep repeat DUI offenders off the road?
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.