Suspected DUI Driver Causes Fatal Accident In Boyle Heights

Late Saturday night a suspected drunk driver plowed his vehicle into a crowd near a taco truck in Boyle Heights, killing two people.  According to news reports, the female driver, now facing felony charges, was being followed by CHP officers because of her erratic driving, speeding and weaving in and out of lanes on the northbound 5 freeway.  The suspect, 38-year-old Elba Jimenez of Upland, ignored officers' attempts to pull her over as she exited the freeway at Cesar Chavez Avenue, ran a red light and crashed into the parking lot.  Marlene Alatorre, 19, and Claudia Fernandez, 38, were killed in the accident.  Two victims inside the taco truck, a man and a pregnant woman, were taken to L.A. County Medical Center for their injuries. Alatorre's family is accepting donations for funeral services.

See the KTLA news story and video HERE.

This shocking and tragic story is becoming all too familiar.  An alleged drunk driver causes a fatal collision and his changed so many lives in the process.  According to the news reports, Alatorre leaves behind a 1-year-old baby, who will never know their mother.  Few things in this world could be more tragic than the loss of a young mother who leaves behind a small child.  Because of Jimenez' selfish acts, both the Fernandez and Alatorre families can never be the same.  While monetary compensation is far from perfect justice, this is the only thing that can be given to these two families to perhaps make their lives at least a little more comfortable than they would be without it.  Nothing can fairly compensate a family for the loss of their loved one's society, care, comfort, affection, love and support.

Compensation for the victims of fatal automobile accidents caused by a drunk driver should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle recklessly or while impaired so as to cause a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling wrongful death cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving wrongful death.   He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an DUI accident?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.