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Written by John Demas

The California Highway Patrol confirmed the driver of the SUV involved in the tragic Greyhound bus accident was driving under the influence. The report indicates that the blood alcohol level of the driver was above the legal limit. The driver, 18-year-old Sylvia Garay, was coming back home from a birthday party with her girlfriends Stephanie Cordoba and Vanessa Gonzalez. The SUV they were in rolled over on Highway 99 close to McKinley in Central Fresno and was struck shortly thereafter by the Greyhound bus.

There were 6 victims killed in this tragic Fresno bus accident: Sylvia Garay, Stephanie Cordoba, Vanessa Gonzales, the driver of the bus James Jewett and two passengers: Epifania Solis and Madera Tomas Ponce. 34 passengers suffered personal injuries. The Fresno bus accident remains under investigation.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased victims.

California DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of alcohol is criminal. The California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that in 2008, there were 1,355 fatal collisions involving drunk drivers..DUI Accidents in California

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states "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." If the drunk driver causes a death of another, the drunk driver can face vehicular manslaughter charges based on California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

DUI Accident Lawyers in Sacramento

All victims of DUI are well-advised to consult a reputed Sacramento personal injury attorney, who will conduct a thorough investigation of the collision and hold the offending driver accountable for their actions. Civil remedies for the families of the deceased pursuing a wrongful death claim include compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Contact Our Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys