Anthony Andrade, 33, and Vincente Santos, 25, were killed in a Solano County car accident involving a drunk driver. According to an article in The Report, the fatal DUI collision occurred on the Interstate 80 in Fairfield, the morning of January 29, 2012. Officials say Michelle Henry, 42, was under the influence when she rear-ended a Ford Explorer with her Buick Lucerne. The impact caused Andrade, the driver of the Explorer, to lose control and the SUV to overturn on the roadway. As Andrade and his front-seat passenger, Floyd Williams, Jr., were attempting to free Santos from the back seat, a 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by 35-year-old Michael Soto of Sacramento struck the Explorer.

Andrade and Santos were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, but it is unclear if Santos suffered fatal injuries in the first or second collision. Williams and Soto suffered minor injuries. Henry faces felony DUI causing injury charges and Soto could face vehicular manslaughter charges depending upon the outcome of the investigation.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Anthony Andrade and Vincente Santos for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Solano County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 41 were injured in Fairfield DUI collisions. During that same year, there were 13 fatalities and 169 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Solano County.

What Caused this Tragic Accident?

Based on this news report, Henry was under the influence at the time of the collision. 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."

I trust investigators are also trying to determine why Soto was unable to avoid the wrecked car. Was he drunk, speeding, distracted or driving carelessly? If his negligence contributed to the fatal accident, then, he may be held liable for the fatal injuries suffered as well. In addition to facing criminal charges, negligent drivers in such cases can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In 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 loss of companionship. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims or their families. 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.

Victor Arenas, 20, was killed in a Ventura car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal car crash occurred along the 101 Highway near the Faria Beach campground in Ventura, the morning of January 15, 2012. Officials say 20-year-old Abram Pineda of Santa Paula may have been under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of the vehicle, in which Arenas was a passenger, and crashed into an RV.

Arenas died at the scene of the crash. Pineda and Anthony Daniel Saenz, 20, suffered minor injuries. Passengers in the motor home, 72-year old Peggy Booth, 66-year old James Booth, and Clara Glanville, 56, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Pineda was arrested after attempting to flee the scene on foot.

I offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Victor Arenas following this tragic DUI collision. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this terrible accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Ventura DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 80 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, countywide, 57 deaths and 3,421 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2009.

Violations of the Law

Based on the news report, officials believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in this fatal crash. 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."

Additionally, the driver attempted to leave the scene of the crash on foot. His passenger was killed and several others were injured, and he tried to flee without even offering assistance? Appalling! California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Liability Issues

In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who has had a successful track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible. In such cases the victim's family can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship.

A 55-year-old San Jose man was killed in a San Francisco area car accident when the vehicle in which he was traveling went out of control and crashed, the night of January 7, 2012. According to a report in The San Jose Mercury News, the fatal DUI collision occurred along the northbound Interstate 680 in Fremont. Officials say a Dodge Caravan driven by Salvador Espino, 55, was traveling up to 90 miles per hour when it veered through traffic, through the center median, went off the roadway and crashed into two trees. The right side of the minivan was sheared off and the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Espino faces several charges including DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Alameda County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), alcohol-related crashes in Fremont claimed the lives of three people and injured 64. During that same year, there were 24 fatalities and 535 injuries reported due to Alameda County DUI collisions.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, Espino was speeding while under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco 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.

Five people were injured in a Sacramento car accident after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the patio of a bowling alley. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, the DUI crash occurred at the Folsom Lake Bowl on East Bidwell in Folsom, during the early morning hours of January 10, 2012. Officials say Tera Lee Nicholson, 41, was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car through an iron fence and into the patio containing patrons. Of the five people injured, none appear to have suffered critical injuries. Nicholson has been booked on charges of drunk driving causing major injury.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this Sacramento DUI collision. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Sacramento DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 40 injuries reported due to alcohol-related crashes in Folsom. During that same year, 40 fatalities and 790 injuries occurred involving DUI collisions in Sacramento County.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, Nicholson was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed into the bowling alley. 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." The same section also states that it is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, in addition to facing criminal charges, Nicholson can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused. The injured victims here can seek compensation from the at-fault driver and her insurance company to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible. 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.

A 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, after a suspected drunk driver struck their motorcycle. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, the DUI collision occurred on Telegraph Road at Victoria Avenue in the unincorporated county area of South Whittier, the night of December 21, 2011. Officials say the driver involved in the crash was an underage drunk driver. The man and woman were hospitalized with unknown injuries. The motorist, Pedro Saucedo, 18, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this motorcycle accident. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 35 people were killed and 596 were injured due to DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Throughout Los Angeles County, 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries occurred as a result of alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, the 18-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, drivers 21 years of age and older may not drive a car with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. Drivers under the age of 21 face even greater restrictions regarding alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code 23136: "It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle."

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk drivers would be well advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers on behalf of injured victims and their families. In such cases, victims can seek compensation from the at-fault motorist for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 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.

Fairfield residents Christopher Valdueza, 19, Sukhpreet Singh, 20, Michael Valdueza, 20, and 20-year-old Timothy Beaver were injured in a San Francisco area car accident, which police report, involved a drunk driver. According to a news article in The Reporter, the DUI collision occurred on Ramsey Road near Gold Hill Road in Fairfield, during the early morning hours of December 20, 2011. Officials say the car's driver, Vandor Alde, 20, was traveling at about 80 mph in a 65 mph zone when he lost control of the 2008 Dodge Charger and crashed through a fence and struck a tree.

Singh suffered major injuries after being ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Beaver and Valdueza suffered major injuries as well. Valdueza sustained moderate injuries to his neck and back, while Alde was treated and released. Once cleared by a doctor, Alde was booked on suspicion of felony driving under the influence resulting in major injury.

My heart goes out to the many injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 41 were injured in Fairfield DUI collisions. During that same year, 13 fatalities and 169 injuries occurred as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Solano County.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, Alde was exceeding the speed limit while under the influence of alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law): "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Also, 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."

Liability Issues

In such cases, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 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.

Crystal Morales, 17, a Newport Harbor High School student who was critically injured in a Newport Beach car accident involving a suspected drunk driver is still in a hospital in a medically induced coma. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the accident occurred at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Margaret Drive, the afternoon of December 6, 2011, when a Chevy Tahoe, driven by 38-year-old Marie J. Lippincott of Costa Mesa, struck Crystal as she crossed the street in a crosswalk.

Morales suffered head trauma, internal bleeding, brain swelling, and other internal injuries. She is listed in critical condition. Lippincott, whose son attends Newport Harbor High School with Crystal, has been charged with driving under the influence and causing injury. According to court records, Lippincott pleaded guilty to theft, burglary and obtaining prescription drugs by fraud in 2005.

My thoughts and prayers are with Crystal Morales, her family members and her classmates following this tragic DUI collision. The report states that Crystal has suffered a traumatic brain injury and would be on assisted breathing for the next two weeks so she can recover from these critical injuries. Please keep this young victim and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but 40 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Newport Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, 41 people died and 864 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County as a whole in 2009.

Driving Under the Influence

The news account states that this section of Irvine Avenue has been a safety concern for school officials. School district officials say they have been working to improve crosswalk safety at that location. However, it is not clear if the city has taken any measures over the years to improve crosswalk safety there. It appears that the driver in this case was not only under the influence, but also failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk.

Liability Issues

The at-fault motorist here can be held liable for the victim's injuries and other damages. In addition, an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to look into whether a dangerous roadway contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable for the injuries and damages. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.

Sondra Gentile, 61, was killed in a San Francisco area car accident, which officials report, involved a suspected drunk driver who left the scene of the crash. According to a news article in The San Bruno Patch, the fatal DUI collision occurred during the early morning hours of November 17, 2011. A Cadillac STS, which was traveling south on El Camino Real hit the driver's side door of Gentile's Honda Civic as she was exiting Highway 380.

Gentile sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Cadillac, later identified as 21-year-old Mitnesh Reddy, fled the scene of the crash and was arrested at his home later that morning. He has been charged with several felonies including DUI, hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Sondra Gentile for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but six injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in San Bruno. In San Mateo County as a whole, 11 people died and 258 were injured as a result of DUI collisions, during the same year.

Violation of Several Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that Reddy violated a number of laws. First, officials say, he was driving under the influence of alcohol, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Claim for Compensation

Reddy is also accused of leaving the scene of a fatal car accident, which is an unconscionable act as well as illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). I'm relieved to hear that the hit-and-run suspect in this case has been apprehended promptly.

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, at-fault motorists, in addition to facing criminal charges, can be held civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. Victims' families in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims' families about their legal rights and options.

Three people were injured in a Fresno area car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news article in The Fresno Bee, the injury crash occurred at the intersection of Zediker Avenue and Rose Avenue, the afternoon of November 20, 2011. Officials report a 19-year-old man was driving a car south on Zediker when he failed to yield for a stop sign at Rose. He ended up hitting an eastbound pickup truck. A 21-year-old male passenger in the car sustained major injuries and the driver of the truck, a 52-year-old Selma man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car was injured, and has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 34 fatalities and 182 injuries involving DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Fresno County. Also, countywide, 49 people died and 389 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2009.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the underage driver of the car was not only under the influence, but also ran a stop sign. It is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to consumer alcohol. 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."

California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, and other related damages. 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.

Andrel Gaines, 19, a basketball player for Gavilan College, is on life support and is not expected to survive the grave injuries he suffered in a San Francisco area car accident. According to a news report in The Morgan Hill Times, the serious injury accident occurred on southbound 101 Freeway near Millbrae, during the early morning hours of November 6, 2011. Officials say 22-year-old Billy Heard, who was driving a black Cadillac carrying Gaines and other passengers, was under the influence of alcohol. Heard lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to avoid a tire on the roadway. The car spun out of control, hit the median and came to rest facing the wrong way, before being struck head-on by an oncoming car.

Gaines suffered life-threatening head injuries. Heard suffered serious injuries including multiple broken bones. Passenger Devontea Johnson sustained a compound fracture in his leg, while Denise Bravo, 18 and Razelyn Ambrocio, 21, suffered relatively minor injuries. Heard could face felony DUI charges.

My thoughts and prayers are with Andrel Gaines and his family. I also wish all of the injured victims here the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 41 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Countywide, alcohol-related crashes claimed 11 lives and caused 258 injuries, during that same year.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, Heard was under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of his car. 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." I trust officials are also looking for the person who dropped the tire on the roadway, which caused Heard to lose control of the Cadillac. Under California law, it is illegal to dump debris on the roadway.

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk drivers and their families would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.