Most California drivers realize that with the privilege of holding a driver’s license comes great responsibility to take necessary safety measures before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, as well as while driving. This means drivers should always avoid alcohol and drugs prior to driving, and while driving, use a seat belt, follow all traffic rules and avoid any activity that could distract them from the task at hand, including cellphone use. Unfortunately, not every driver adheres to all these safety measures all the time, sometimes resulting in tragedy. As a horrific example, a woman was killed in her own home when a driver suspected of DUI crashed through a wall of the house.
The crash happened on a recent Thursday evening in Pomona. According to the local police department, the driver was traveling on the road in front of the house at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle, crashing through the house. When the vehicle came to a stop, it was partially inside the house with the victim, a 59-year-old mother and grandmother, trapped underneath.
Reportedly, first responders had to remove layers of debris to get to the woman. Sadly, she died at the scene. The driver, a 33-year-old Pomona man, has been booked on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Apparently, the victim’s adult daughter and granddaughter were in a different room at the time of the incident and were not injured. Her husband of 32 years has said the couple lived each day as if it was their last.
Sadly, it seems some drivers still ignore the ubiquitous messages warning against driving while impaired. As a result, many lives are cut short and their loved ones are left to endure a very difficult time. The driver responsible for this tragedy now faces serious charges, but more importantly, a woman is dead because of his reckless behavior. The victim’s family is most certainly suffering through grief, but they are also likely encountering many unexpected expenses, such as funeral costs and lost income. They may wish to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss their options for legal recourse within the California civil justice system.