Both public and private entities alike engage in awareness campaigns to enhance the public consciousness of being responsible drivers on the highways and roads of the San Diego metropolitan area. We have all seen efforts that attempt to educate San Diego residents about the dangers of texting and driving, as well as campaigns to put an end to drunk driving. However, all of the most well-intentioned efforts in the world won’t do any good against an individual who decides to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol.
This was the case in a recent tragic car accident that left a man dead on the side of the road in Oceanside. According to reports, the accident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. The reports indicate that the victim, a man in his 60’s, was struck by a drunk driver who swerved into a bike lane. The drunk driver, a 42-year-old man driving a Kia Sedona, stayed at the scene and was arrested shortly after the incident. The victim was sent by helicopter to an area hospital, but later died due to the injuries he suffered in the crash.
In the criminal case, the 42-year-old driver will be facing some serious charges. In addition to hitting and killing a pedestrian while operating a vehicle while intoxicated, the driver also reportedly had an 8-year-old child in the car with him. He faces a variety of felony charges that could result in years of imprisonment.
For the family members of killed person killed in a fatal accident, criminal penalties for the negligent party can provide some closure. However, a criminal conviction does not help them with the financial losses they may suffer as a result of the sudden loss of their loved one. A civil wrongful death lawsuit, however, can help them cope with loss of income and other damages. A lawyer can help grieving families to understand their legal options.
Source: fox5sandiego.com, “Driver arrested after hitting, killing man in bike lane,” Mike Wille, April 22, 2016
