Most California residents probably find it difficult to understand why some people still take drugs and/or drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. Everyone has heard the warnings, likely many times, about the dangers of this kind of behavior. Yet, despite such messages, some drivers continue to take their chances and drive under such conditions, sometimes resulting in injuries or fatalities for themselves and others. Sadly, in a recent incident of this type in East County, a suspected DUI driver killed a motorcyclist, and she will likely now face some very serious charges.
The crash happened near El Cajon early on a Monday morning. According to a California Highway Patrol officer, a woman traveling north had been making a left-hand turn intending on heading west when an eastbound motorcyclist collided with the left side of her vehicle. Reportedly, he was thrown from his motorcycle. The 32-year-old man was transported to the hospital, but sadly, he later died while there. The driver who struck the motorcycle suffered minor injuries; apparently, she refused medical treatment.
CHP officers questioned the woman and determined she had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash. The 59-year-old woman was then arrested on suspicion of DUI. She has since been booked into a detention facility on felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing injury.
Likely, most California drivers, to protect themselves and others, follow all the rules of the road and practice safe driving. Unfortunately, some drivers will make poor choices that often significantly affect one or more people. In this case, a young man’s life has been abruptly cut short, and his family is no doubt in shock and grieving. They may choose to seek justice by holding the person responsible accountable. An attorney experienced in personal injury cases could explain their options moving forward.