Steven Roger Carlson, 47, was identified as the driver who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his vehicle was struck by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, officials also arrested 25-year-old Omar Vivar on suspicion of DUI causing death and bodily injury after the July 13, 2010 crash. Vivar was driving at a high rate of speed and crashed hard into the car carrying Carlson, his wife, 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. The accident occurred on the Valley Boulevard overpass at Stimpson Street in La Puente.
Tragic Loss
Carlson died at the scene. His 8-year-old daughter suffered compound fractures to her hip, left leg and left arm as well as cuts to her face that will require plastic surgery. Carlson's wife suffered internal injuries and a bruised lung. The boy escaped with minor injuries, which officials say, is because he was placed in a car seat.
What a tragedy for this family! Not only have they lost a loved one, but two other members of the family are dealing with serious injuries. My heart goes out to the Carlson family. I wish his wife and daughter the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries caused by this DUI collision. This family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Criminal Charges
If Vivar is found guilty of driving under the influence and driving recklessly, I trust he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime 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."
Civil Liability
In addition to being held criminally liable, the at-fault driver in such cases can also be held financially responsible for the wrongful death and injuries causes. Family members can file a wrongful death claims seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings and loss of love and companionship. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries and rehabilitation. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
What steps can California law makers take to curb the problem of drunk driving? How can we combat the problem of repeat DUI offenders getting behind the wheel?
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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Cory said:
The Carlson Family are Personal friends of mine and have been very close to my heart ever since i started working with Steve's wife in my early 20's. I have spoken with her on the phone. And I have spent many days in tears over this. Please feel free to contact me with any information I can pass along to them.