Drunk Driver Crashes into Tree, Two Dead
Posted on September 5, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When negligent drivers take to the road, they can cause personal injury to others around them, not just themselves. An example of careless driving is driving while intoxicated. Not only does alcohol make a person act sloppier, it also lowers a person’s senses which would normally be sharper and attentive if they were sober. The effects of drinking too much alcohol greatly reduces a driver’s attentiveness and safety if they were to get behind the wheel. A recent accident has proven that the aftermath of a DUI-related accident is often disastrous.
On Labor Day Monday, September 3, one male driver caused two wrongful death accidents when he chose to drive while intoxicated. Reyes Barajas, 46, was driving on east State Route 16 around 4:45 p.m. when his pickup truck veered off the road. He had a 39-year old woman, identified as Ann Marie Miller, in the front seat and a 14-year old boy in the back seat. Both the woman and the boy were pronounced dead on the scene. The relationship between the driver, woman, and boy has yet to be determined.
Barajas was driving west of Yolo County when his vehicle went off the road, went down a steep embankment, and then crashed into a tree. Miller was wearing a seat belt and died because of a neck fracture she received from the impact. It is uncertain whether or not the boy was wearing a seat belt. He died because of a chest injury he received from the blunt-force of the car colliding with the tree.
California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene where they suspected Barajas to be driving while under the influence. He only received moderate injuries and was flown by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Currently, Barajas is facing arrest for two counts of felony DUI resulting in death. He could be facing addition counts of manslaughter.
Sadly, Barajas has a history of driving under the influence. He has had prior DUIs which can increase his charges of felony manslaughter to murder. This repeated violation of the law has now caused Barajas to be responsible for the two wrongful deaths he has caused.
Driving under the influence is a serious crime which, as evident in this recent accident, can cause serious personal injury and even wrongful death. If you have been a victim to a car accident because of someone else’s negligent driving, do not hesitate to consult with an attorney today.
