Five members of Southern California family died March 30 in a car accident on Interstate 15 in Nevada. KFSN-TV reported that the victims included three brothers in their 40s, a woman and a 13-year-old girl who were all members of the same family. According to police reports, another car rammed into the rear of the minivan the family was riding in. Two other individuals riding in the van survived but sustained serious injuries, including a 15-year old boy who lost his leg.
The driver of the other vehicle, 18-year-old Jean Soriano, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Investigators found beer bottles in Soriano’s vehicle. According to KFSN, he faces five felony counts of DUI and two counts of inflicting bodily harm, in addition to two misdemeanor charges of driving without license and not slowing down. Soriano was being held on $3.5 million bond.
“I saw my mom sometimes every day,” said Esmeralda Fernandez, a young girl who lost both her parents, two uncles and a 13-year-old relative in the accident. “I talked to my mom a few times during the day and to my dad. I’m going to miss those conversations.”
Driving under the influence is a dangerous and unacceptable crime, and this accident demonstrates the horrific consequences that operating while intoxicated can have. Please contact our firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Tip of the week: According to the CDC, 10,228 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2010. Do whatever it takes to ensure you and your loved ones enjoy alcohol responsibly and have a designated driver.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego car accident lawyer