A DUI collision in Fresno the night of July 23, 2010 proved fatal for 4-year-old Angel Lopez. The Fresno Bee reports that the fatal car accident happened on Avenue 440 when 32-year-old Rodolfo Rangle, in whose car the little boy was a passenger, drove right through a stop sign and crashed into a 2001 Dodge driven by Evelyn Hernandez, 55. Angel was taken to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. Hernandez and two of her passengers – Destiny Raygoza, 14, and Alice Hernandez, 60 – were also injured. Rangle has been booked on suspicion of driving under the influence.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Angel Lopez for their profound loss. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Fresno Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 33 deaths and 1,485 injuries involving car accidents in Fresno. In Fresno County as a whole, 127 people died and 3,323 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws
Under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a), it is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. A drunk driver who causes a fatal accident can also face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."
Claim for Compensation

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, families of deceased victims or injured victims would benefit from a consultation with a skilled California personal injury lawyer, who will hold the negligent drivers accountable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims or their families how their auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the at-fault driver lacks insurance or does not have sufficient insurance coverage.

Are you in favor of a law that mandates the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices for first-time DUI offenders?

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.

Bookmark and Share