A 42-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries in an April 7, 2010 car accident on Highway 50 in Placerville, has been identified as Bruce Bone. News10 reports that the fatal collision occurred when 55-year-old Theresa Ghersanich, drove her Toyota SUV east in the westbound lanes of the highway and collided head-on with Bone's vehicle. Ghersanich has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bruce Bone for their devastating loss. My heart particularly goes out to his wife. Bone and his wife were apparently married only a few weeks ago. Tragic! This family will be in my prayers.

DUI Collision Statsitics

There were seven injuries involving DUI collisions in Placerville, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In El Dorado County as a whole, nine fatalities and 128 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related collisions during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws

Under California law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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 suspected drunk driver who causes the death of another could also face gross vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

In such cases, families of deceased accident victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record financially pursuing drunk drivers. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will advise victims' families about how their own car insurance policy applies in an accident case that involves an uninsured or underinsured driver. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Are you in favor of first-time DUI offenders being mandated to use Ignition Interlock Devices?

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.