California Injury Blog
Humberto Orozco, 25, was killed in a Riverside car accident, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, Orozco was driving a 1999 Chevrolet east on Limonite Avenue the night of October 15, 2010, when a 1997 Lexus that drifted from the westbound lane hit him. California Highway Patrol officials say Orozco died at the scene. The driver of the Lexus, 24-year-old Rafael Silva, sustained major injuries. But he was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Humberto Orozco for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 11 fatalities and 176 injuries involving DUI collisions in Riverside. Countywide, alcohol-related car accidents claimed 101 lives and caused 1,090 injuries during the same year.
California Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious crime 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).
Victims’ Claim for Compensation
In such cases where negligence and wrongdoing is apparent, families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and hold the negligent parties accountable. Drunk drivers should not only face criminal charges but also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages and devastation they cause.
The family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.
Lost a family member in a Riverside car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Riverside DUI car accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Riverside wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
Do you believe that the state of California should require ignition interlock devices in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders?
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.