A 20-year-old man who was fatally injured in a hit-and-run crash in San Bernardino has been identified as Mario Antonio Flores Topete. The San Bernardino County Sun reports that the fatal collision occurred on North Sierra Way on August 15, 2010, when Augustine Ramirez, driving a pickup truck, struck the pedestrian. Ramirez did not stop and fled the scene of the accident. But authorities later apprehended him and booked him on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Mario Antonio Flores Topete for their tragic loss. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Drunk Driving Statistics

There were 263 deaths and 8,504 injuries involving car accidents in San Bernardino County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, DUI collisions claimed 94 lives and caused 1,052 injuries during the same year.

Laws and Compensation Issues

Driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash are serious crimes 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." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Please visit MADD's website at www.madd.org. to learn more about the dangers of drunk driving

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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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