An Orange County man recently pled not guilty with regards to a motor vehicle crash in which he allegedly was driving under the influence and struck and killed a bicyclist in Newport Beach. The driver had previously pled guilty to a misdemeanor drunk-driving charge in 2011. The victim of this tragic accident was a Fountain Valley resident who was riding his bicycle along East Coast Highway on October 19, 2014. He was struck from behind by the suspect while riding. He was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained and passed away the same day from his injuries.
During senseless tragedies like these, the families often look for answers. The suspect has been charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s office for his crimes, and will have to answer in court for his charges. However, families that have been victimized can also pursue recourse in civil court for the pain and suffering that has been caused by the reckless behavior of drunk drivers. Fatal accidents result in what is known as a “wrongful death” in California. At the Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell III, we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this accident, and hope they find justice and closure.
