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.

Good News - Fatal Automobile Accidents Are Declining

Finally there is good news about the accidents on California and Orange County roadways.  The number of fatal automobile collisions is actually declining.  According to statistics just released, fewer people died from traffic crashes statewide and in Orange County in 2010 when compared to the year before.  The Orange County Register has reported the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which shows that California had a total of 2,715 traffic accident fatalities in 2010, a drop of 375 from 2009.  In Orange County, 105 traffic deaths were reported in 2010, a fall of 49 when compared to the year before.  

See the Orange County Register article HERE.  

Beyond the drop in traffic fatalities in 2010, the statistics being compiled by NHTSA show a decline in the numbers for the first nine months of 2011.   The number of traffic accident deaths in California has actually been steadily dropping since 2005.  This is also true for Orange County.  While the numbers are clear, the reasons behind them are at least a little murky.  Some ascribe the drop in traffic deaths to the slow economy and less driving.  However, the death rate per million vehicle miles of travel has also dropped steadily for the last six years.  Another factor which may be at work is that the vehicles on the road now are on average newer and safer than they were years ago.  Beyond that, according to the Orange County Register, the California Highway Patrol has indicated more enforcement is also a reason for the drop as all 103 CHP field offices are staffed around the clock.  Of course, the potential for civil and criminal accountability may both play some role in prompting greater care behind the wheel.  Whatever the reason or combination of reasons, the good news remains...fewer lives are being lost because of traffic accidents.

Compensation for the victims of fatal traffic accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner causing a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages they cause.  An attorney with experience at handling wrongful death and auto accident cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.    Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling automobile accident cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you lost a loved one because of a fatal traffic collision?

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.