Two Children Fatally Injured in Drunk Driving Accident in San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA (December 1st, 2020) – Two of four young children who were critically injured in a drunk-driving accident in San Bernardino have passed away, according to authorities. The children’s father also died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

Sgt. John Echevarria told the Riverside Press Enterprise that the children were of ages two and four but did not indicate when they passed away.

A third child in the accident suffered critical injuries and was in serious conditions at the time of the report while a fourth child sustained moderate injuries.

The deceased children and their father, a 31-year-old from Bakersfield, were traveling in a Toyota Camry when their vehicle was broadsided by a Ford Mustang. The Mustang was reportedly speeding at the time of the accident and had run a red light before colliding with the Camry. The Camry combusted upon the collision.

According to authorities, the driver of the Mustang, Brandon Jaquez-Perez, age 23, was arrested on the suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Despite efforts to crack down on intoxicated driving in California, drunk drivers remain a serious risk to all those who drive alongside them on the road. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 9,300 people were killed in traffic accidents involving drunk driving in California from 2009 to 2018. Although the state sees fewer fatal DUI accidents than the national average, California still loses too many innocent lives as a result of these preventable accidents.

Drunk driving accidents are often-times life-changing events for innocent victims who, through no fault of their own, are seriously injured or even killed by a drunk driver. In these types of traffic accidents, the perpetrators are considered impaired when they drive after consuming alcohol at a level that meets or exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Without a question, drunk drivers should face legal responsibility for their reckless actions and the harm they cause.

When an innocent person is injured by a drunk driver, the life-threatening accident will often have catastrophic ramifications that can leave them with a multitude of questions, including how their medical bills will be paid. Based on California’s personal injury laws, the drunk driver could be held accountable for the financial damages caused by the accident.

Every drunk driving accident will have a unique outcome, but most of these auto accidents will result in injury, emotional trauma, and financial distress for the victim. Depending on the facts of the accident, DUI accident victims can pursue financial compensation for their losses, including medical bills, loss of wages and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and disability.

The State of California also allows for punitive damages in certain drunk driving accidents. While rarely awarded, punitive damages are set to punish the at-fault driver when the accident is particularly egregious. For instance, if the reckless driver was breaking multiple laws at the time of the accident or drove with a complete disregard for the lives of others on the road, the victims can receive punitive damages. At-times, punitive damages are also awarded by a court that believes the award will act as a deterrent and prevent others from committing the same reckless behaviors.

After a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to seek the legal support of a skilled attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. These accidents require an immediate investigation of the facts and a collection of important evidence, including police reports and toxicology reports. A well-versed attorney will know what is needed to build a successful case against the reckless driver.

The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King is exceptionally qualified in handling the most complex auto accident cases, including reckless DUI accidents. The attorneys at the firm have dedicated their practice to making things right for those whose lives have been seriously affected as a result of another’s negligent actions. The firm is well-prepared to handle challenging auto accident cases and is equipped to help victims recover the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, consider seeking the legal support of the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King. With a track record of success, the firm is ready to offer you caring legal counsel. Call (909) 297-5001 or fill out the online contact form to obtain a free initial consultation today.

Categories : DUI, Local News, San Bernardino

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on January 25, 2021

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Two Children Fatally Injured in Drunk Driving Accident in San Bernardino

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