A woman who was killed in a DUI collision in Tulare County the night of July 1, 2010, has been identified as 36-year-old Rocio Martinez Lopez. The Fresno Bee reports that the fatal car crash occurred on Highway 190 at Road 152 in Porterville, when a suspected drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck her Honda Civic. The driver of the other vehicle, a 1998 Ford F-150 pickup truck, was driving south on Road 152. He was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. Jose Corrales-Delgado, a 29-year-old passenger in the truck, sustained major injuries in this crash and was hospitalized.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Rocio Martinez Lopez's family and friends for their profound loss. I also wish Corrales-Delgado the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were four fatalities and 195 injuries involving car accidents in Porterville in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In Tulare County, 65 people died and 1,724 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same period.

Car Accident Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). The driver in this case also faces criminal gross vehicular manslaughter charges. In addition, running a stop sign is also a serious traffic violation. California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. 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."

Claim for Compensation

A reputed California personal injury lawyer, will be able to examine all aspects of an incident and determine whether a wrongful death claim can be filed. Such claims allow families of deceased victims to seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Should California require all first-time DUI offenders to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicles?

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.