Andrea T. Cerda, 9, and Alan D. Cerda, 18, were killed in an Imperial County car accident, which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Imperial Valley Press, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Fredericks Road at State Route 86 north of Brawley the afternoon of January 21, 2012. Officials say Anthony J. Aubry, 22, was driving an Acura west on Fredericks Road when he failed to yield the right of way to a Honda that was southbound on State Route 86. The Accord rolled over and Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda were fatally injured. The driver of the Accord, Manuel A. Cerda, 25, suffered major injuries including a fractured skull, neck, back, hip and arm. Aubry was treated and then arrested on suspicion of causing serious and fatal injuries while driving under the influence of alcohol.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with Manuel Cerda who has been severely injured. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Imperial County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 38 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Countywide, seven fatalities and 50 injuries were reported due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, Aubry not only failed to yield the right of way to the Honda Accord at the intersection, but was also driving under the influence of alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Additionally, 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."

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. DUI drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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