A catastrophic series of automobile crashes on Highway 99 killed a man on Thursday morning. The man was identified as Robert Alverson, 50, of Sacramento. As reported by the California Highway Patrol, around 5:10 a.m, Mr. Alverson stopped to help out motorists, who were involved in a crash on northbound Highway 99.  Apparently, Mr. Alveroson was walking toward the collision to render assistance when he was struck by a motorist who was driving under the influence. Mr. Alversonwas propelled into the southbound lanes where he was struck  again by another vehicle. Mr. Alveroson died at the scene of the accident. The Sacramento car crash remains under investigation however it appears as if another innocent live was taken by a drunk driver. What is particularly tragic is that Ms. Alverson was a good Samaritan offering to help injured victims when he was killed.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Robert Alverson, 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.

Alcohol Related Car Accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol is criminal.  Unfortunately, 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 involving 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.

DUI Accidents in California

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 Personal Injury Attorney

All victims of DUI are well-advised to consult a reputed 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.