Gross vehicular manslaughter charges have been filed in connection with a San Bernardino car accident on April 29, 2008, which killed limo driver, Frantz Jones. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, prosecutors are alleging that 30-year-old Marc Anthony Saavedra crashed his pickup truck into a limousine that was parked on the shoulder of the 15 Freeway near the Sierra Avenue off ramp. Jones was hospitalized in critical condition. Saavedra was convicted in March 2010 of felony drunk driving and hit-and-run. However, Jones succumbed to his injuries after Saavedra's sentencing, which had led to the new vehicular manslaughter charges.
I offer my deepest condolences to Jones' grieving family members and friends for their heartbreaking loss. Apparently, Jones passed away more than a year after he sustained these injuries. It is indeed tragic that he and his family had to suffer through this time, not to mention the medical expenses and financial struggles they must have faced in the aftermath of this DUI collision. Jones' family members will certainly be in my prayers.
DUI Laws
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 will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Saavedra does in this case. 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."
Wrongful Death Claim
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seek compensation to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, emotional trauma and other related damages. Families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Do you believe drunk driving is a problem in your community? What solutions would you suggest to fight this problem?
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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