Another Californian was lost last week due an alleged DUI California car accident.  The California Highway Patrol reports that Scott Farinha was driving his Chevrolet Camaro on Highway 138 near Phelan last Friday afternoon when a vehicle being driven by 45-year-old Zimmie Burnath, proceeding in the opposite direction, crossed over into his lane of traffic and caused a head on collision.  Unfortunately, Mr. Farinha was declared dead at the scene.

The CHP reported that Ms. Burnath was likely under the influence of alcohol when officers attempted to pull her over for swerving into oncoming traffic.  Instead, Ms. Burnath led officers on a 5 mile high speed chase that reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. while she weaved in and out of traffic and narrowly missed other vehicles before colliding head on with Mr. Farinha’s Camaro.  The intoxicated Burnath survived the crash, but was transported to the hospital with major personal injuries.  Ms. Burnath will face charges of driving under the influence, evading police and murder when she is released from the hospital.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Farinha, who was so suddenly and tragically taken away from all those who knew and loved him. We especially offer our condolences to his family for their heartbreaking loss.

DUI Driving Accidents in California

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is criminal.  However, no matter how strong the laws against drunk driving, and no matter how strong public opinion seems to be against this type of conduct, some people simply cannot help themselves.  The results are tragic.  The California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that in 2008, there were 1,355 fatal collisions caused by drunk drivers.   This kind of heartbreak is unacceptable, and California should do more to prevent more DUI related deaths, including stiffer penalties for all offenders, alcohol treatment programs, and education for alternatives like designated drivers.

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.” If the drunk driver causes a death of another, the drunk driver can face vehicular manslaughter charges based on California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) ”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.”

Hiring a Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Victims of DUI accidents should contact a skilled Sacramento personal injury attorney, who will conduct a thorough investigation of the collision and hold the offending driver accountable for their actions. Civil remedies for the families of the deceased pursuing a wrongful death claim include compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

The Demas & Rosenthal personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Demas & Rosenthal will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.