California Injury Blog
A man who was pushing his bicycle was struck and killed in a car accident in Palm Desert, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver.
According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the crash occurred the morning of February 7, 2015 on Hovley Lane just west of Corporate Way.
A silver 2002 Porsche was traveling west on Hovley Lane when it struck a bicyclist who was pushing his bike.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Porsche, identified as 60-year-old Thomas Karl Doczi, has been arrested on
suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. Officials say alcohol was likely a factor in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of this deceased crash victim. We offer our deepest condolences to them.
DUI Collisions
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 12 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions in Palm Desert. In Riverside County as a whole, 88 people died and 946 were injured due to alcohol-related collisions during the same year.
California Drunk Driving Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the bicyclist was pushing a bike and walking on the roadway when he was struck by the Porsche. Officials suspect that the driver was operating under the influence.
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).
Compensation for Victims’ Families
Families of DUI victims are entitled to monetary compensation. While a criminal trial results only in penalties for the driver and probably some amount of restitution, a civil wrongful death lawsuit can help victims’ families secure fair and full compensation for all losses sustained such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.
A knowledgeable Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to financially pursue DUI drivers on behalf of affected victims and families.