An 18-year-old passenger identified as Luis Camacho sustained fatal injuries in what officials say was a DUI collision in Porterville the evening of August 23, 2010. The Porterville Recorder reports that the fatal crash happened at the intersection of Avenue 228 and Road 36 when the 18-year-old Victor Anguiano, driving a Chevy Astro van, ran a stop sign and broadsided a truck driven by Valentin Ramirez, 37. He and his passenger escaped unscathed. Anguiano is facing felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Luis Camacho. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm relieved to hear the other driver and his passenger were unharmed. This collision could definitely have been a lot worse.

Underage Drinking

According to statistics from the National Institute of Health, each year, about 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. Of those, about 1,900 die as a result of car accidents. In Tulare County, 21 people died and 214 were injured in 2008 as a result of alcohol-related crashes, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics.

DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter

It is illegal for anyone below the age of 21 to consume alcohol. It is against the law for any one to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a). In addition, Anguiano also drove through a stop sign, which is a serious traffic violation under California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a).

Liability Issues

In drunk driving cases, drivers who are found guilty not only face criminal charges, but can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims or families of DUI victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

Is underage drinking a problem in your community?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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