California Injury Blog
A male pedestrian was struck and killed early morning on Sept. 20 by a suspected DUI driver. According to a City News Service report, 30-year-old Elizabeth Landess of Long Beach was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. The incident occurred just after midnight in the 15900 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Officers who arrived at the scene found the pedestrian unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. After an investigation, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Seal Beach police are urging anyone with information about this crash to call them at 562-799-4100, ext. 1661.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the man who was killed in this tragic collision. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Driving Under the Influence
It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, according to California Vehicle Code 23152 (a). The same section also says it is against the law to have a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08% or higher. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both alcohol and drugs reduce the function of the brain, impair thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination – all of which are essential abilities to safely operate a vehicle.
As alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase as well. Driving under the influence can be dangerous not just for the driver’s own passengers, but also for others on the roadway such as other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Liability Issues
When drivers who are operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs cause injury or fatal crashes, they will most likely face criminal charges. However, in addition to that, they can also be held financially responsible with a civil wrongful death lawsuit for the losses they cause to the decedent’s family.
In such cases, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, the victim’s pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to advise victims’ families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/20/pedestrian-killed-woman-arrested-on-suspicion-of-dui-in-seal-beach/