A DUI collision in Orange County claimed the life of 22-year-old Mai Hayakawa, a Diamond Bar resident, the night of August 22, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Hayakawa was a passenger in a Toyota Celica, whose driver, 24-year-old Michael Keating was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. Another passenger in the car, 22-year-old Alyssa Unruh, escaped with minor injuries, officials said. Keating sustained moderate injuries. The crash occurred on the southbound 57 Freeway's transition road to the 91 Freeway when Keating lost control of the vehicle while attempting to pass a big-rig.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Hayakawa for their devastating loss. I also wish Unruh the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 21 fatalities and 2,018 injuries involving car accidents in Anaheim in 2008, according to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk driving and their families can seek compensation for their injuries, damages and losses in such cases. Families can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. In such cases, victims or their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions.

Question: Do you believe that DUI penalties in California are severe enough to prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel intoxicated? For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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.