A car accident in Riverside proved fatal for 22-year-old Dimitri Garcia and 18-year-old Emil Smith the morning of July 18, 2010. The Press-Enterprise reports that the accident occurred on Domenigoni Parkway in Hemet when Garcia, the driver of a Dodge Neon, lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

The Dodge was also hit by a minivan whose driver could not stop in time to avoid the out-of-control Neon. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene and Smith, who was his passenger, was taken to an area hospital where he died. Hector Bonilla, 38, the driver of the minivan and his young son, did not sustain major injuries. Authorities suspect alcohol may have played a part in this fatal crash.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved these two young men. I also wish Bonilla and his son the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.

DUI Statistics

There were four fatalities and 38 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions in Hemet, California. In Riverside County as a whole, 101 people died and 1,090 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The same section also states that it is illegal for anyone to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

In this case, I trust officials are also looking into other factors such as a vehicle defect, mechanical malfunction, speeding or reckless driving as possible causes. If Garcia is determined to have been at fault, Smith's family as well as other injured victims can claim compensation from Garcia's estate and insurance. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most serious challenges faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a car accident?

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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