A suspected drunk driver, who officials say, had two prior drunk driving convictions, caused a fatal hit-and-run car accident in San Pablo, killing 35-year-old motorcyclist Anthony Walker. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the fatal motorcycle crash occurred on April 7, 2010 when a pickup truck driven by 43-year-old Juan Ruelas crashed into Walker's motorcycle on Church Lane. After the crash, Ruelas abandoned his truck and ran away from the scene of the crash. However, officials located and arrested him in his home. He has been booked on felony DUI, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges.
Tragic Accident
My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Anthony Walker. He has been described as a loving father to his young daughter and was apparently training to become a firefighter. Heartbreaking! This grieving family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
DUI Laws in California
It is against California law to drive 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."
A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Ruelas does in this fatal motorcycle accidents.
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."
An Injury Lawyer Can Help
In such cases an experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer
can help victims and their families obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other damages.
How can we keep repeat DUI offenders off the streets?
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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