Motor vehicles are a part of daily life for millions of Californians. Mass transit options exist but nothing comes close to having your own car or truck for the freedom to get to work and run the errands in your life. Unfortunately, challenges and dangers face many people on the roads.
Drivers take pains to keep each other safe but sometimes a simple accident can lead to disaster. Irresponsible car and truck owners who text while driving or drive under the influence are betraying that trust willfully, and they often face stiff criminal penalties if they cause damage or injury.
The most serious consequence of a car accident happened recently in Riverside County. A 28-year-old pregnant woman has died along with her fetus after her car was struck by a male driver who is suspected of drinking shortly before the accident.
The 28-year-old man was driving southbound on a Hemet street when he veered into opposing traffic and hit the woman’s car head-on. The vehicle caught fire, which was extinguished by police officers who arrived within minutes. The police immediately arrested the male driver on suspicion of felony DUI resulting in injury, which was upgraded to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated upon the woman’s death.
Criminal charges may punish a driver but the victims of accidents and their families may rely on civil lawsuits to secure compensation to help reassemble their lives. Legal representation for victims of motor vehicle collisions and the families of survivors is often a good step towards help with medical expenses, funeral costs and other unfortunate obligations.