Drunk Driving Accident Kills Local Bartender
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident and personal injury lawyer. A motor vehicle collision over the weekend claimed the life of a local bartender after the car he was driving was struck by a driver suspected of being intoxicated. The driver who caused the crash, identified by Sacramento police as Xoury Soukouang, age 38, was arrested and is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI. He was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries described as minor that were incurred in the accident.
I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Navarrete who passed away in the crash.
Accident Details
The collision occurred around 12:30 in the morning at the intersection of Evergreen Street and El Camino Avenue. Antonio Navarrete, in his 20s, was driving home after work and was struck by Soukouang’s vehicle broadside, according to a representative of the Sacramento Police Department. Navarrete was employed at Zocalo restaurant as a bartender at the UV Shopping Center and had locked up the business about 11:00 p.m. around four miles from where the accident occurred. Fire department personnel from Sacramento reported that Navarrete was found unconscious and was trapped in the front seat of his vehicle. He was declared dead a short time later.
Drunk Driving in Sacramento
Drunk driving is a serious problem around Sacramento as it is in the rest of the state. In 2015, which is the latest year of compiled statistics by the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 429 drunk drivers arrested who caused injuries or deaths in a collision in Sacramento. In total, 1,080 drunk driving arrests occurred that year. Christmas of 2017 saw the number of drunk driving arrests jump with 790 drivers arrested by the CHP for DUIs.
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
While those who are legally drunk exhibit a BAC level of 0.08 or higher, alcohol begins to affect an individual when drinking even small amounts. Drunk driver injuries to others can be severe.
- 0.02: Drinker feels more relaxed, visual acuity starts to lessen, and problems with judgment begin.
- 0.05: Behavior becomes exaggerated, the ability to detect moving objects is reduced, muscle control is decreased, and cognitive thinking starts to be impaired.
- 0.08: Ability to use good judgment is lessened, coordination is impaired, reaction times are slowed, and reduced processing of information and concentration occurs.
- 0.10: Speech is slurred, reaction time and coordination are affected, and a driver has difficulty staying in one lane and braking.
- 0.15: The drinker loses his/her balance, has problems processing visual and audio information and muscle control is poor.
Obtaining Compensation From a Drunk Driving Accident
The ability to get compensation from a personal injury depends on proving that the other driver in the accident was negligent and caused the crash. In cases involving a drunk driver that collided with a vehicle, a conviction for driving while intoxicated proves that fault. An attorney experienced in drunk driving accidents can help the individual who was injured obtain compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and the pain and suffering endured because of the crash.
Sacramento Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Drunk driving is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you care about was injured by a drunk driver, I can help you obtain fair compensation to pay your bills. Call me at (916) 921-6400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice. I can also be reached at (800) 404-5400.
Since 1982, I’ve helped Sacramento residents and those from Northern California with their personal injuries, including wrongful death and traumatic brain injuries.
As a forum member of Million Dollar Advocates, I join other trial attorneys around the country with client settlements/verdicts of at least one million dollars.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/drink-car-accident-accident-car-2106757/
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