A 42-year-old woman and mother of three, who was killed in a Bakersfield car accident, has been identified as Michelle Marie Maxwell. The Californian reports that Maxwell was a passenger in a vehicle that was being driven by her 15-year-old daughter Michaela. Their Hyundai was struck at the intersection of Panama Lane and Ashe Road by a driver, who according to police ran a red light and was driving under the influence. He was identified as 30-year-old Mitchell Green, an off-duty firefighter with the Bakersfield Fire Department. Green was also injured in the crash, but is facing felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges. Michaela has also been hospitalized with injuries, which are not life-threatening.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Michelle Maxwell for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as they are taking care of an injured family member and getting ready to bury another beloved family member.
Alcohol-Related Crashes
There were eight fatalities and 141 injuries involving DUI car accidents in Bakersfield, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 42 people lost their lives and 507 were injured as a result of alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2007.
DUI Laws and Liability Issues
Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. It is an unconscionable act to drink and drive for anyone, let alone a firefighter whose job it is to protect the community and save lives. If Green is found guilty and determined to have been at-fault, I hope he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and is held civilly liable for the devastation he has caused.
Victims and their families in such cases, would be well-advised to contact a reputed
Bakersfield personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk and negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may be able to a file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
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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