Trial Starts for Fatal Crash in Davis
I’m Ed Smith, a Davis car accident lawyer. As an update to a fatal crash in Davis that took place on February 24, 2016, the trial of Steven Hendrix is now underway. The crash that took the life of Cynthia Jonasen. During this difficult time and the reminder of the tragedy, my heart and prayers go out to the individuals and families of all those involved.
What Happened
In the late afternoon of February 24, 2016, Steven Hendrix was driving to a local homeless shelter with his girlfriend, her sister, and their four children before the end of the designated check-in time. He is said to have been severely tailgating Toni Robinson when he attempted to pass her in the bike lane. During this attempt, Hendrix is said to have sideswiped a bicyclist before plowing into the driver’s side of Cynthia Jonasen’s Honda as she was making a left turn in her Honda. Authorities have estimated that Hendrix’s speed at the time of the crash to be around 80 mph. Jonasen was the only individual to perish in the accident.
Charges
The case takes a turn when considering Hendrix’s impairment. Steven Hendrix tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamine use at the time of the accident. Such substances can impair the mind and increase the risk of an accident. Hendrix is being charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, second-degree murder, child endangerment, and driving under the influence causing injury.
The court proceedings are still in process as testimonies from expert witnesses continue through today.
Dangers of Impaired Driving
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
- Estimates are that about 32% of all fatal car crashes involve the impairment of a pedestrian or driver.
- In 2015, 3,952 drivers who were fatally injured tested positive for drug use.
- In 2011, over 1.2 million drivers were apprehended for operating a vehicle while impaired by either narcotics or alcohol.
- The highest cause of death for teenagers is car accidents. About 25% of those accidents had an underage drunk driver who was involved.
- On average, 2 out of 3 people will experience a drunk-driving accident at some point in their life.
- In 2012, about 9.9 million people of age 12 and older operated a vehicle while impaired by illicit drugs.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol decreases the safety of all those on the road. Please do all you can to avoid any types of distracted driving. Along with impairment, this includes eating, texting, or using any electronic device while operating a vehicle. These activities decrease your ability to be aware of what is going on around you. Texting is especially dangerous. It ensures that your mind is distracted, your eyes are off the road, and your hands are off of the wheel. A bad combination when needing to be aware of a changing environment.
Davis Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Davis car accident lawyer. If you, or a loved one, have experienced a personal injury or wrongful death during a car crash in Davis, call me immediately at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice
You can find my reviews on Google, Yelp, and Avvo that offer opinions from past clients about my work.
Check out my Past Verdicts and Settlements to learn more about my case experience.
I have a membership at the Forum of Million Dollar Advocates. Forum members have obtained verdicts worth more than $1 Million.
You can find more information on my website autoaccident.com
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