Margarita Temblador De Lopez, 53, Francisca Temblador De Raymundo, 58, and 51-year-old Oliverio Lopez were killed and three others were injured in a Sacramento car accident, which officials say involved a drunk driver going the wrong way. According to a News 10 report, the fatal car accident occurred early morning on February 6, 2012 on the westbound side of Highway 50 near Folsom Boulevard in Gold River. California Highway Patrol officials said 41-year-old Christopher Rigsby was driving a Honda the wrong way on the highway when he hit a 2001 Pontiac Aztek traveling west.

The Aztek overturned before coming to rest on its roof. Lopez and Raymundo were ejected and died at the scene. Oliverio Lopez died from his injuries as well. The driver, 31-year-old Gustavo Sandoval-Gonzalez and passenger 59-year-old Pedro Cornejo, were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Rigsby who sustained a broken elbow was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the three victims who were killed in this tragic crash. My thoughts and prayers are also with the two critically injured victims. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Sacramento DUI Statistics

According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 11 fatalities and 297 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Also, countywide, DUI collisions claimed 40 lives and injured 790 people, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, Rigsby was driving the wrong way on the highway and was intoxicated at the time. 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 could face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship, and other related damages. Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.