Sandra Isbell, 48, was killed in a car accident after her vehicle was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver early morning February 11, 2010. According to a news report in the Merced Sun-Star, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 99 near Bradbury Road, in Atwater, when 19-year-old Gill Kushdeep was driving the wrong way. Isbell was transported to a hospital in Modesto where she died. Kushdeep sustained minor injuries and has been charged with felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sandra Isbell for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my prayers.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
There were no fatalities, but eight injuries caused by DUI car accidents in Atwater, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, alcohol-related car crashes claimed 12 lives and injured 178 people in 2007.
Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. 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." In this case, Kushdeep has also been charged with vehicular manslaughter because the act of his drunk driving fatally injured Isbell.
Liability Issues
I would urge Isbell's family to get in touch with an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who has successfully held drunk and negligent drivers accountable. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will also advise the family about how they may file a claim for compensation through their own car insurance policy in the event the accident involves an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
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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