A DUI collision in San Bernardino resulted in the death of 12-year-old Sandra Ceballos. The crash, according to The San Bernardino Sun, was caused by 21-year-old Alexander Velasco, who drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Macy and Mesa streets in Muscoy, the night of May 16, 2010, and struck a vehicle occupied by Sandra, her mother Maria Sigala, 37, and 21-year-old uncle. Both Sigala and her brother were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. Velasco has been booked on suspicion of felony DUI. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this family that has suffered a devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to Sandra's parents and the Sigala family. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 107 deaths 1,925 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that Velasco ran a stop sign and broadsided the Kia driven by Sigala. Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also a serious traffic violation to run a stop sign. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

Victims and their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer should also advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance coverage.

What additional steps should law enforcement take to curb drunk driving in our communities?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.