The San Diego Medical Examiner's Office identified two people who were killed in an Escondido car accident as U.S. Marine Robert Austin, 20 and Sarah Garcia, 21. The fatal car accident occurred the morning of October 10, 2009, according to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Austin was apparently traveling in a Jeep Cherokee that got into a minor accident. Shortly after the initial crash, the driver of a Chevy Cavalier crashed into the Jeep, pushing Austin off the freeway and down an embankment. The driver and passenger of the Cavalier abandoned the car and fled on foot.

Moments after that fatal accident, another Jeep Cherokee driven by Sarah Garcia struck the abandoned Cavalier. Both Austin and Garcia were pronounced dead and three other Marines sustained minor injuries. California Highway Patrol officials said the driver of the Chevy Cavalier, who fled the scene of the accident, was 18-year-old Oscar Tinoco. His 17-year-old passenger, who remained unidentified, was also arrested. Tinoco faces vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI and felony hit-and-run charges.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Robert Austin and Sarah Garcia. Their families have suffered a tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep these victims' families in your prayers. I also hope and pray the injured Marines make a speedy and complete recovery. I also hope that the suspected drunk driver in this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 102 injuries involving alcohol-related California car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 116 deaths and 2,068 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car crashes in 2007.

California Vehicle Code section 20001 requires the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injuries or death to stop immediately at the scene of the accident. Also California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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."

A reputed California personal injury lawyer experienced in handling DUI cases will be able to help the families of Robert Austin and Sarah Garcia obtain just compensation for their terrible loss. There is no question that individuals who make that choice to get behind the wheel drunk, must be held accountable for their actions, which cause grief and sorrow to unsuspecting victims and their families. A skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy will apply to a car accident involving a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured or under insured driver.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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