Sacramento news reports that two mothers whose children were killed in drunk driving accidents are campaigning for more California courts to use a little known - "forgotten"- Vehicle Code Statute.
Currently, individuals convicted of drunk driving may have their driver's licenses suspended, but if the driver is sent to jail - the suspension doesn't do much good.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident it is important to consult with an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights and determine your next steps. In addition to criminal charges, it may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Victims injured by negligent drunk drivers face medical bills, loss of wages, physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. If injuries are severe or permanent, families suffer economic loss, mental anguish and the loss of companionship in caring for an injured family member. In the event of death, families are torn apart without any warning.
Here, the man who killed Kendall Liu and Brian Haight was sent to jail for six years and four months. Although his license was suspended for three years, the suspension ended while he was still in jail. When he was released from prison he was able to drive again.
However, the "forgotten" vehicle code provision provides that judges have the discretion to delay a revocation of a driver's license until after the jail time is served. The law was recently brought to the attention of the Yolo County District Attorney's Office, who now plans to apply this law in upcoming DUI cases.
To protect more families from suffering the anguish of losing a family in a wrongful death drunk driving accident or serious personal injury, hopefully more will be done to stop drivers from getting on the road after they've been drinking.
For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident contact a dedicated Sacramento personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette.
