Fresno Drunk Driver Receives Harsh Sentence
According to ABC30 Action News, Judge Jonathan Conklin sent a strong message about the dangers of drunk driving when he sentenced a repeat offender to life in prison. Six years ago, on Thanksgiving, Cesar Gonzalez Moreno was behind the wheel of his El Camino with a .30 blood alcohol content when he hit an SUV. The force of the impact threw the driver out of the front window, even though he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. Eugenio Fuentes Ramirez died from injuries sustained in the accident. His wife, Petra Silva, survived.
At the time of this drunk driving accident, Moreno had already been convicted of drunk driving on two other occasions. Before crashing into the Ramirez vehicle, Moreno had crashed into another vehicle just a few minutes earlier.
At the sentencing hearing, Moreno said he was sorry for what he had done. He claimed abuse as a child might have contributed to his alcoholism. When handing down the sentence, Judge Conklin said, “”I’m not punishing you for being an alcoholic. I’m punishing you for being an alcoholic and getting behind the wheel and driving a car.”
Drunk Driving Destroys Lives
As seen above, many lives were destroyed in a matter of seconds on Thanksgiving 2010. One man lost his life, a wife lost her husband, a man lost his freedom, and both families will continue to relive the horrific event every year for the rest of their lives. Time can help you deal with the pain of losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident; however, no amount of time will ease that pain.
During this holiday season, we urge you to take steps to avoid drunk driving accidents. If you enjoy alcohol during your holiday celebrations, designate a driver, take a cab, or stay at your friend’s home. Don’t make the same choice as Moreno did. Don’t get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. Even a drink or two can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in A Drunk Driving Accident?
After you have taken care of your medical needs, contact our Fresno DUI accident attorney. You have the legal right to pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal in California. When a driver causes injury while driving drunk, that driver is also liable for any damages arising from the drunk driving accident. However, you must still prove the driver caused the collision and that you suffered damages from the crash to recover compensation for your injuries. The same is true if your loved one is killed in a drunk driving accident.
Our Fresno DUI accident attorney aggressively pursues drunk driving accident claims to help you and your family seek justice from the drunk driver. Even though a monetary judgment cannot change what has happened, it can provide much needed financial support for your medical and personal needs. It also sends another strong message to drivers who choose to ignore the safety of others by choosing to drive drunk.
Call A Fresno DUI Accident for A Free Consultation
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno DUI accident attorney today.
Categories: