Passenger Killed, Driver Injured in Rancho Santa Fe Motorcycle Crash

A female passenger was killed and the male driver suffered major injuries in a California motorcycle crash that took place on July 21, 2012, around 10:25 p.m. in Rancho Santa Fe. According to California Highway Patrol, the victim was a passenger on the bike driven by 58-year-old William Jimenez that went off the road and struck several trees.

The female passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Jimenez suffered serious injuries and was transported to Scripps La Jolla Hospital for immediate medical attention.

California Highway Patrol suspects that alcohol contributed to this fatal crash. It is indeed an unfortunate thing to think that if the driver was not intoxicated, the female passenger may not have lost her life. The exact cause is still under investigation.

Jimenez will most likely be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that, “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.” Under California law, it is also illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 27 people were killed and 748 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in San Diego.
The victim’s family members should immediately get in touch with an experienced DUI accident lawyer so that they can inspect all the evidence and assure that the at-fault party is dealt with.

The victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a drunken driving accident, talk to an experienced San Diego County DUI accident lawyer to ensure that your legal rights are protected. For a free assessment of your case, call our legal team at 1(888) 233-5020.

Ross Jurewitz

Ross Jurewitz is the founder and managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a San Diego personal injury attorney law firm. These San Diego injury accident lawyers specialize in helping people seriously injured in a variety of accidents throughout San Diego County and California.

Connect with Ross Jurewitz on Google+