Motorcyclist Killed in Riverside DUI Accident
A motorcyclist who was killed in a Riverside car accident after being struck by a suspected drunk driver has been identified by authorities as 23-year-old Brian C. Sgambati. According to The Press Enterprise, the fatal DUI accident occurred the morning of December 17, 2009 on Limonite Avenue in Mira Loma when a 1993 Chevy pickup truck driven by 56-year-old Valentin Feliciano crashed head-on with Sgambati's motorcycle. Authorities arrested Feliciano on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter. He apparently had several prior drunk driving arrests.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brian Sgambati. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this young man. Please keep him in your prayers.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
There were 279 fatalities and 9,925 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Riverside County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Of those, 129 fatalities and 1,279 injuries were caused by DUI car accidents. Also, countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed 41 lives and injured 562 people during the same year.
DUI Laws in California
Driving under the influence is illegal in California. It is against the law to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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." A driver whose act of drunk driving causes another person's death will most likely be charged with vehicular manslaughter. If Feliciano is found guilty of driving under the influence, I hope and pray that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so that he doesn't cause any more future tragedies.
Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer
A DUI conviction can result in serious jail time and hefty fines. But it is also true that a drunk driver can also be held civilly responsible for the injuries and damages he or she has caused to innocent victims. Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has a stellar track record of pursuing drunk drivers and holding them accountable.
We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
