A DUI collision in Bakersfield left three young people dead and a community devastated, according to a news report in The Californian. Killed in this fatal car crash were Giselle Madrid, 17, and Marilupe Madrigal, 18, and Esmeralda Soriano, 20. Authorities say the accident occurred at the intersection of Reynolds Avenue and Weedpatch Highway when 19-year-old Leonel Nunez Jr. who was driving southbound crossed over to opposing lanes and struck the 1997 Plymouth Breeze being driven by Soriano. Madrid and Madrigal were passengers in the Plymouth. All three sustained fatal injuries. Nunez has been arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving and gross vehicular manslaughter.

My heart goes out to everyone who loved Madrid, Madrigal and Soriano for their devastating loss. Please keep these victims' families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 29 fatalities and 1,111 injuries involving car accidents in Bakersfield in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, car accidents claimed 103 lives and caused 3,460 injuries during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws

Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher is a serious crime under California law, which is what officials allege Nunez did here. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

Claim for Compensation

An experienced California personal injury lawyer can help victims and their families seek compensation for injuries, damages or wrongful death caused by such negligence and/or wrongdoing. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also advise victims' families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an accident involving an at-fault motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some suggestions you would offer to eradicate drunk driving in the United States?

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.