A sixty-two-year-old Temecula man was killed in a crash caused by a suspected intoxicated driver late last month. The pileup happened during rush hour on Alessandro Boulevard at Meridian Parkway, approaching the 215 freeway from the west, between Riverside and Moreno Valley.
Seven vehicles were ultimately involved when the apparently drunk driver, who at least one witness said was speeding, crashed into an area where drivers were slowing because of road construction. The victim died at the scene, and one other person received minor injuries and needed medical attention.
All or part of the intersection was closed for more than four hours after the crash.
Repeat Offender, Facing Serious Charges
The thirty-eight-year-old driver accused in the crash is now facing second-degree murder charges for causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence. Other charges against him include gross vehicular manslaughter and driving on a suspended license. It’s been alleged that he also fled the scene, which would increase the penalties.
That driver was discovered to have several previous felony convictions, including spousal abuse and weapons possession. He also has three earlier DUI convictions, which will certainly not weigh in his favor. He was being held without bail after the crash.
Heavy Riverside DUI Involvement
It’s been a bad stretch for serious DUI crashes in southern California recently. About a week after the Alessandro Boulevard incident, a Riverside couple and their teenage son were killed in a fiery crash on the 605 in West Whittier. That crash was reportedly caused by a drunk driver, reported to be an off-duty Los Angeles police officer.
On October 1, an elderly woman was killed when her daughter drove off the 60 freeway and into an embankment in Riverside. The daughter was charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence.
A few days after that, a Riverside man injured himself and two others and killed a woman when he caused a head-on collision near Lake Matthews; he also was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Riverside Car Accident Lawyer
Car crashes happen for many reasons, but far too many of them involve drivers who make the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence. A 2015 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 31 percent of motor vehicle deaths in the previous year involved alcohol.
When you have been harmed or someone close to you has been harmed or killed by a drunk driver, turn to the experienced automobile accident attorneys at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys to help you get justice.
We have helped many clients get the compensation they needed to pick up the pieces of lives profoundly affected by the recklessness of dangerous drivers. Give us a call today at 949.535.1341 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
