Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter in connection with a Santa Ana car accident that killed 57-year-old Eloise Aguilar. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, police investigators arrested Beau Richard Cook on felony charges. The fatal pedestrian crash occurred the night of September 1, 2010.
Cook was apparently speeding south on Harbor Boulevard and possibly ran a red light, before he lost control of his Toyota Scion. The vehicle struck Aguilar, who was walking home from work. She was instantly killed. Cook is facing a number of criminal charges including gross vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI and an enhancement for driving with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08 percent.
My heart goes out to the family of Eloise Aguilar, who was killed in this DUI collision. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. If Cook is found guilty, I truly hope that he is held both, criminally and civilly liable for his actions.
Drunk Driving Laws
Under California law, it is a serious crime to drive under the influence of alcohol 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." It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.
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."
Victims' Claim for Compensation
In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult an Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and successful track record financially pursuing drunk drivers. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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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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