A driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol drove into oncoming traffic on state Route 76 killing a driver in Pala, California on May 29.
The 23-year-old woman, Bianca Anahy Hernandez, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI following the multi-vehicular crash according to the California Highway Patrol. Hernandez was booked into the Vista jail, and she is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
According to authorities, she was driving east on SR-76 in a Toyota Camry when she drove into the westbound lane, ultimately causing multiple crashes which involved three other vehicles shortly after 9 PM.
A 59-year-old Laguna Nigel woman was traveling west on the highway in a Hyundai Santa Fe as well as a 65-year-old woman from Fountain Valley in a silver Lexus GS-350, and then followed by a 66-year-old man from San Diego driving a black Jeep Laredo. The driver of the Lexus died at the scene despite efforts from first responders before she could be taken to a hospital.
The Jeep’s driver and passenger were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, the driver of the Hyundai suffered minor injuries. Hernandez and a passenger in her car were taken to a hospital after suffering moderate injuries.
“This fatal incident caused multiple people to be transported to the hospital with significant injuries and one woman died, all due to the intoxication of a negligent driver,” said Gerald Singleton personal injury attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “The loss of life caused by this collision is a tragic reminder to the Pala community that driving under the influence has irreparable consequences that forever changed the lives of the victim’s family and loved ones.”
Singleton Schreiber’s Pala car accident attorneys can be reached at (619) 771-3473 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
Pala Fatal DUI Crashes
Pala unfortunately faces the issue of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) car accidents. These incidents not only pose a significant risk to public safety but also have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. DUI car accidents in Pala pose a significant threat to public safety and have devastating consequences for individuals and families involved.
DUI car accidents in San Diego County pose serious risks to both drivers and innocent victims:
- Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This increases the likelihood of accidents and decreases the driver’s ability to safely navigate the road.
- Increased Severity of Accidents: DUI accidents often result in more severe injuries or fatalities due to the impaired driver’s reduced ability to respond to hazards or apply proper braking techniques. Innocent victims are particularly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of these accidents.
- Legal Consequences: DUI offenses in San Diego carry strict legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment. Offenders face long-term repercussions on their personal and professional lives.
To combat the issue of DUI car accidents in San Diego County, it is essential to implement effective road safety measures:
- Sobriety Checkpoints: Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to conduct regular sobriety checkpoints at strategic locations in San Diego County. These checkpoints act as deterrents and help identify and apprehend drivers under the influence, removing them from the road.
- Stricter Law Enforcement: Work with local authorities to enforce DUI laws rigorously and ensure that offenders face appropriate legal consequences. Increased patrols, dedicated DUI enforcement teams, and swift legal action can send a strong message and discourage impaired driving.
- Ride-Sharing and Alternative Transportation Options: Encourage the use of ride-sharing services, public transportation, or designated drivers to provide safe transportation for individuals who have consumed alcohol or drugs. Promote the availability and convenience of these options to reduce the temptation to drive under the influence.
Navigating the legal complexities of being hit by a DUI driver requires a thorough understanding of personal injury laws, insurance regulations, criminal proceedings, and relevant statutes in one’s jurisdiction. When an accident occurs, there are many stressful factors in the aftermath for the drivers involved or their loved ones, consulting with skilled attorneys specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases can provide the necessary guidance to protect the rights of those affected or involved in the crash and seek fair compensation for losses accumulated as a result of the incident.
“A DUI crash might seem straightforward, but there can be complex issues to navigate in litigation,” said Mr. Singleton. “While our hearts go out to the victims and the family of the deceased, we also hope they find a qualified personal injury attorney who can help walk them through the complexities of a case like this with multiple victims. The survivors and the family of the deceased are absolutely due compensation.”
Singleton Schreiber’s Pala car accident attorneys can be reached at (619) 771-3473 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
