A 20-year-old woman who was killed in a Costa Mesa car accident involving a suspected drunk driver has been identified as Cara A. Lee. The Orange County Register reports that the accident occurred the morning of February 14, 2010 when the driver of a Toyota pickup truck ran a red light at the intersection of Sunflower Avenue and Sakioka Drive and struck the vehicle in which Lee was a passenger. Police arrested Gustavo A. Vega, the 22-year-old driver of the pickup truck, on suspicion of drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, murder and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities say Vega was fleeing from another crash scene before he caused this one.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Cara Lee for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Alcohol-Related Car Accidents

There were two fatalities and 100 injuries involving DUI car accidents in Costa Mesa, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 62 deaths and 1,492 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car crashes during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. 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). In addition, Vega also ran a red light, which is a serious traffic violation.

In such cases, it would be in the best interest of victims' families to get it touch with an experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer who will hold the wrongdoers accountable. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their own car insurance policy applies in a car accident case, which involves a motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.