Jaye Wass, 29, was killed and her 10-month-old son, Kyler, was seriously injured in a suspected DUI collision, which officials say, was caused by a driver who was under the influence of marijuana. According to a news report in The Santa Cruz Sentinel, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of October 22, 2010 on Highway 1 near Laguna Road. Wass was driving a borrowed Honda Civic with her son in an infant car seat in the back, when a male driver of a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on into the Civic. Both Wass and the other driver died while Kyler is said to be recovering. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the Wass family for their tragic, untimely and heartbreaking loss. This is indeed a senseless tragedy. I wish little Kyler the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 39 injuries reported due to DUI collisions in Santa Cruz. Also, countywide, 12 people died and 172 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.
Laws Relating to Driving Under the Influence
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Jeep was under the influence of marijuana at the time. It is a serious offense in California to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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."
Protecting Victims' Rights
In cases where the at-fault driver is also deceased, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a claim against the driver's estate or his or her liability insurance. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure 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 of injured victims and their families.
Lost a family member in a San Francisco car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Santa Cruz car accident. Call 1-800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Francisco wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
Do you believe marijuana should be legalized in California? Do you think legalizing pot could lead to an increase in traffic accidents?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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