Recent Posts in fatal car accidents Category

According to a 627-page report by the California Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Sylvia Garay had a blood alcohol level between 0.11 and 0.14 at the time of a tragic California bus accident that killed Garay and five others approximately one year ago.

"In the end, it was a DUI collision. [Garay} made poor choices to drink and drive and from that six people lost their lives," said Sgt. Rob Krider with the Major Accident Investigation Team.

According to CBS 47, investigators concluded that Garay and Stephanie Cordoba had been drinking shots of raspberry and apple Smirnoff vodka and Four Loco, purchased by a friend who was over 21. They drank at a friend's house before going to a Fresno nightclub. After the club closed, Garay got behind the wheel and lost control of her SUV on Freeway 99.

"Passengers at that point survived the impact, in fact, they were trying to exit the vehicle," said Assistant Chief Steve Badilla of the Central Division CHP office.

However, just two minutes and 32 seconds later, an approaching Greyhound bus crashed directly into the near of the Trailblazer after he failed to notice the disable vehicle in the dark road.

While the CHP faults Garay, an attorney representing the families of passengers Cordoba and Vanessa Gonzalez isn't entirely convinced. He questions the bus driver's speed and reaction and the CHP's response time between when the original California DUI accident happened and when the bus entered the picture.

The District Attorney's office is reviewing the report. It's unknown whether any criminal charges will be filed. 

If you or someone you love is involved in a California DUI-related accident, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with legal advice, and represent you during both the DMV and criminal court hearings. 

An Orange County man has been arrested for causing a DUI-related fatal accident over Memorial weekend.

According to the OC Register, 26-year-old Austin Jeffrey Farley was driving in Irvine when he crashed into an oncoming E-Class Mercedes, driven by Michael Ghaemi, 48.   Four teenage girls were in the Mercedes at the time of the accident; Ashton Sweet, 14, suffered irreversible brain injury but is being kept alive on a breathing machine so that her organs can be donated while Krista Marassa, 15, is also in critical condition.

After further investigation, records showed that Farley had a previous 2009 driving under the influence conviction as well as battery on a peace officer and driving on a suspended license.  Farley is being held on a $1 million bail and is expected to appear in court today.

Our law firm sends their sincere condolences to the friends and family members of Ms. Sweet. Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today if you were in a DUI-related accident. 

A 28-year-old San Diego man has been sentenced to one year in jail for causing a fatal DUI-related accident earlier in the year.

According to Sign On San Diego, Nicholas Arthur Thibault was driving northbound on the 805 freeway when he exited on University Avenue around 6:30am, February 27, 2011.   Thibault swerved off of the ramp, plowed through a bushy area and ended up on the on-ramp across the street; unfortunately, 47-year-old transient Brent Routley was camping in the bushes when the accident occurred. Thibault has pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, will be sent to prison for a year and will be placed on probation for five years; if Thibault violates his probation, he could be sent to prison for up to six years.

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence after causing an accident? Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today for more information regarding what you could be facing and how we can help you.

A Chico resident has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he caused a fatal car crash.

According to the SacBee, Sean Perry, 43, was driving a BMW around 12:25am on Pleasant Valley Road when he failed to follow a curve on the road. The vehicle hit an embankment and a tree before landing in a field.   Timothy Chapman, 40, was passenger in the BMW but died at the scene while Perry was airlifted to a local hospital with major injuries.

Contact our California DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you get the best possible outcome in your DUI case. 

A 23-year old Walnut Park driver has been arrested for manslaughter and driving under the influence Monday morning.

According to CBS Local, Luis Jimenez was driving eastbound on California St. when he drove through a stop sign and lost control of his vehicle.   Jimenez’s vehicle then hit a 42-year-old male pedestrian who later died at a local hospital. Jimenez only suffered minor injuries and was arrested for a California DUI and manslaughter.

Our California DUI Defense Lawyers understand how frustrating it can be to be charged with driving under the influence; contact us today to find out how we can help you.

As reported by Fox 40 in Sacramento, a pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed in a suspected California DUI accident on April 2.

According to California Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Miguel Almanza was DUI when he crashed into Juan Rodriguez and his family. Rodriguez's wife, who was 7-months pregnant, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"At times it's very frustrating when you go and you see repeat consequences of someone who made a very foolish decision to get behind the wheel when they're impaired and under the influence of alcohol," said Sergeant Ben Moser. "Anytime someone dies as a result of that, it's tragic."

Almanza is facing charges of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.

As the story highlights, a California drunk driving accident that results in the death of another almost always will be treated as a felony.

Because California felony DUI cases can result in far greater penalties, it is important that DUI offenders seek representation from skilled California DUI attorneys who are experienced with felony DUI cases and who can help minimize the potential penalties. 

A 24 year old woman caused a fatal accident that killed an 18 year old male and has been arrested for a felony DUI.

Ashley Selina Bryan, of Highland, was driving her Honda Civic on the 57 freeway in Orange when she failed to avoid hitting a Chevy Camaro that was stopped on the shoulder. The Camaro was then pushed Cameron Cook, 18, who was standing outside of the disabled vehicle near a guardrail.  Cook went over backwards and fell approximately 50 to 60 feet onto a concrete embankment below the freeway.   According to the OC Register, Bryan has been charged with one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated without gross negligence, driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury and driving with a BAC of .08% or more causing injuring as well as a sentencing enhancement for multiple victims.

If you have been in a DUI-related accident or are facing a felony DUI charge, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out more information on how we can help you.

Alma Berenice Limon Arredondo of Norwalk is believed to be driving under the influence when she fatally crashed her vehicle in Lynwood.

According to the Contra Costa Times, the 24 year old was driving her silver 2005 Ford Mustang when she crashed into and went under the back of a tow vehicle carrying a truck.   The DUI related accident occurred at 12:02am on the southbound 710 freeway, north of the 105 freeway.   The 34 year old driver of the tow vehicle, David Celis, was not injured. The female driver’s boyfriend was driving behind her and was arrested for driving under the influence and is being under investigation for potentially chasing the woman.

Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Arredondo; if you have been in a DUI accident, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today. 

A 23 year old California woman will spend the next 6 years in jail for a felony drunk-driving causing injury case that occurred last year.

Jessica Lynn Shekell, from Anaheim, was driving drunk on the wrong side of the 91 freeway on October 26, 2010 when she crashed head on with a truck. The truck driver, 49 year old Sally Miguel died on the scene and her 30 year old sister Patricia Miguel, who was a passenger, died hours later.   Two young girls, Mary Miguel, 15, and Sara Miguel, 11, suffered major injuries but survived the accident.    According to the OC Register, Shekell was driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.26%, which is three times the legal limit.

Have you been in a DUI related accident? If so, contact our California DUI Lawyers today to find out how we can help you.

David Matthew Perzanowski, 29, has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence and vehicular homicide after he caused a vehicle-pedestrian collision.

According to RealVail.com, Perzanowski was driving a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee when he struck 32-year-old Lewis Edward Cook III as he was walking on the side of the road. Officers arrived on scene and were unsuccessful in performing CPR.   Perzanowski is being held on a $15,000 California bail.

Contact a leading California DUI Defense Lawyer if you have been in a DUI-related accident. 

Nicholas Arthur Thibault, 27, has been arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence as well as vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

The San Diego resident was exiting the 805 freeway when he swerved off the ramp, hitting the bushes. Unfortunately, a transient was camping in the bushes when he was struck and killed by Thibault.  According to SFGate, Thibault was booked in a San Diego jail and is being held without bail.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, speak with one of our California DUI Defense Attorneys today for more information.  

57 Year Old Leopoldo Tobilla hit and killed a pedestrian and has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, leaving the scene and vehicular manslaughter.

Mercury News states that officers received a call around 1:36am of a dead man on Skyline Boulevard in Pacifica.   Within 30 minutes of officers arriving at the scene, Tobilla returned and admitted to sticking the man as he was walking in the lanes of traffic.   Officers determined Tobilla was under the influence of alcohol when he hit the pedestrian and he was arrested and booked at the local jail in San Mateo County.

Have you been arrested for a DUI-related accident? Contact a leading California DUI Lawyer to find out how we can help you. 

A 22-year-old woman from Newport Coast has been arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter as well as driving under the influence after she hit a cyclist.

A middle-aged man was enjoying a bike ride along San Joaquin Road in Corona Del Mar when the young woman hit him at around 6pm Monday night.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Corona Del Mar Today states that although the crash remains under investigation, the woman appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and has been booked with bail set at $100,000.

As avid cyclists, our DUI defense law office sends our condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist.    If you have been in a DUI-related accident, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you.

Sean Quintero, 18, was arrested for vehicular manslaughter while driving while intoxicated as well as gross negligence and driving under the influence causing injury.

Mercury News states that the South San Francisco teen was driving his mother’s Toyota when he slammed into the back of another vehicle.   The impact, which occurred around 3:20am on Highway 101, caused a 17-year-old girl to be killed and injured the three other passengers who are all between the ages of 17 and 18.   Quintero has been held without bail and if convicted, he could be facing up to 11 years in prison.

If you have been in a DUI-related accident, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys immediately. 

Karen Honeycutt of Temecula has been arrested on three counts of DUI causing injury and on suspicion of murder of her 9 year old daughter Chloe.

PE.com states that the 41 year old mother was driving her 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee near Redhawk Parkway when she lost control of her vehicle.   The car hit a tree and a concrete light pole in a center divider, causing Chloe and a 17 year old sibling to be ejected from the vehicle. Chloe was pronounced dead at the hospital, the 17 year old broke their back and the third sibling, an 8 year old boy that had his seatbelt on, suffered moderate injuries.  

If you or someone you know has been in a driving under the influence accident, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out more information. 

A 19 year old Alex Michael Gary was traveling westbound on the 10 freeway when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into stopped traffic. He was arrested for suspicion of vehicular manslaughter as well as a California felony DUI.  According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Gary was driving 80 mph near Via Verde in San Dimas when he failed to slow down for stopped traffic and struck a Honda Civic, killing Viet H. Le and Thuan Trieu and injuring driver Ly Trinh Nguyen.  The Honda then struck a Toyota Camry, injuring a 3 year old female passenger.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact a leading DUI Defense Lawyer today. We will help negotiate your case for a more favorable outcome. 

Hunter Kilmer, 23, was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and on manslaughter charges when his Suzuki Samurai plowed into deep water flowing into a reservoir near the Saddle Dike Embankment.  Kilmer's 16-month-old son was in his car seat at 8:30 pm when Kilmer drove the vehicle into the waters.  The Samurai overturned, Kilmer and a 19-year-old friend were able to escape but they could not save his 16-month-old son.

Any time there is an injury or fatality behind the wheel of a car it is tragic.  The loss of a son, daughter, friend, loved one or even complete stranger affects all aspects of your life.  If you had alcohol in your system at the time of the collision you can face serious charges that could lead to a state prison sentence.  Contact our team of dedicated California DUI lawyers now for a free case consultation.

A four-year-old boy was fatally injured on Friday night when Rodolfo Rangle allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign and was hit by a vehicle.  The passengers of the other vehicle were taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center and it is not known whether Rangle suffered any injuries.  Angel Lopez, the four-year-old victim in the case, was flown to Community Regional Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.  The accident occurred on Avenue 440 at the intersection of Road 120.

If you are involved in a Fresno DUI you face serious consequences including potential jail time, however if there is a fatality or serious injury then you will be facing a state prison sentence.  A Fresno drunk driving incident is very serious and can affect your entire life.  If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence you need to contact a knowledgeable Fresno DUI defense attorney immediately.

Last September Kathy O'Daniel a mother of five was killed in a car accident allegedly caused by Judy Shafer.  O'Daniel's was driving her 15-year-old daughter home from volleyball practice when they were struck by Shafer's Jeep.  Shafer was found to be driving with a blood alcohol level of .19%.  Shafer will serve a 13 year state prison sentence for her involvement in the crash.

If you are involved in a California DUI that causes serious injury or death then you are facing a felony conviction.  Felony DUI charges carry with them state prison sentences.  Without the assistance of a leading California drunk driving defense attorney you will be facing the full power of the state in your case.  This means that you will most likely serve the maximum sentence on all charges.  Call our team of dedicated California DUI defense lawyers today for a free consultation.

According to  Men’s Health magazine the drunkest U.S. city is Fresno, California.  The magazine in March will publish the list of the 100 drunkest major cities in America.  The magazine did a case study and compared data to determine the drunkest and least drunk city.  The data consist of deaths from liver disease, fatal car accidents involving drunk driving, number of DUI arrests, binge-drinking in the past month and harshness of DUI laws.  Below is a list of the drunkest and least drunk city.

"Drunkest" cities:

1.  Fresno, CA
2.  Reno, NV
3.  Billings, MT
4.  Riverside, CA
5.  Austin, TX 
6.  St. Louis, MO
7.  San Antonio, TX 
8.  Lubbock, TX
9.  Tucson, AZ
10.  Bakersfield, CA

      “Least drunk" cities:

1. Boston, MA
2. Yonkers, NY
3. Rochester, NY
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. Miami, FL
6. Newark, NJ
7. Durham, NC
8. New York City, NY
9. Fort Wayne, ID
10. Manchester, NH

If you're arrested for a Southern California DUI, or under investigation for driving under the influence in California it is important to discuss your matter with a qualified and proven lawyer that practices DUI defense.   Fill out our free case evaluation online and we will call you back for a consultation.