A suspected DUI collision in Fresno resulted in three fatalities and serious injuries for three others. The Associated Press reports that the fatal collision occurred the evening of August 4, 2010. The driver, 20-year-old Orlando Gomez-Benitez, ran a stop sign at a local intersection and was struck by another vehicle. Three passengers in the vehicle were thrown out of the vehicle and killed. Two people in the other vehicle were also injured. Gomez-Benitez suffered major injuries, but was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved the three deceased victims. Please keep these grieving families in your prayers. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a swift and full recovery.

Car Accidents

There were 33 fatalities and 1,485 injuries involving Fresno car accidents, according to the California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 127 people died and 3,323 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime under California California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). In this case, Gomez-Benitez also drove through a stop sign, which is a serious traffic violation. California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

It would be in the best interests of the injured victims and families of deceased victims in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Do you feel that drunk driving is a problem in your community?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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