Woman dies in crash blamed on DUI

When someone gets in operated by another individual, he or she places tremendous trust in the person to drive safely and legally. Those who choose to drive recklessly, especially those who choose to drink before driving, place themselves, their passengers and everyone else on or near the road in danger. Sadly, a California woman lost her life recently in a crash apparently caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol.

Accident details

Just before 12:30 a.m. on July 29, police in Coronado responded to an accident on Orange Avenue near 10thStreet. There, they found a white sedan that had wrecked and was sitting in a field of debris. The driver of the car had apparently tried to negotiate a turn, presumably at a high rate of speed, then lost control and struck a lamppost.

The car was occupied by the driver and two passengers. The front female passenger survived the crash with unspecified injuries, as did the male driver. They were both listed as 20 years old, and they were taken to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, a 25-year-old female passenger in the back seat did not survive and was declared dead at the scene. Authorities charged the driver with DUI as well as gross vehicular manslaughter.

Right to compensation

Despite any criminal charges against the driver, the injured passenger and the surviving family of the deceased passenger have the right to pursue personal injury and wrongful death claims, respectively, against the driver. A successfully navigated claim can provide awards that can help them with medical expenses, lost wages and other associated expenses, including funeral expenses for the deceased passenger. In order to increase their chances of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation they deserve, affected parties will need to work closely with an experienced personal injury attorney in California at the first opportunity.