Man in a Wheelchair Killed by a Drunk Driver in Lodi
Pedestrian Accident, Lodi, CA
Man in a Wheelchair is Killed by DUI Driver at the Intersection of Cherokee Lane and Elm Street
Lodi, CA –A tragic accident occurred on Thursday night in Lodi, leaving a man in a wheelchair fatally injured after being struck by a driver suspected of DUI.
The Incident
On Thursday night July 11, 2024, around 9:40 p.m., a man in a wheelchair was fatally struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Cherokee Lane and Elm Street in Lodi.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Lucas Suarez Ramos, remained at the scene and was found to be driving under the influence.
Suarez Ramos has been booked into jail on charges including driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. The victim’s identity has not been disclosed, and the police are currently seeking additional information from the public.
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Legal ImplicationsÂ
In the context of the Lodi accident, the legal implications for Lucas Suarez Ramos include charges of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter—serious felonies that carry severe penalties.
California law is stringent on DUI offenses, especially when they result in death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 32 people in the U.S. die daily due to alcohol-impaired drivers. Despite a 7.4% decrease in drunk-driving fatalities in California in 2020, these incidents still make up 28.1% of all traffic-related deaths. Legal recourse can be complex, involving potential lawsuits from victim’s families seeking compensatory damages for their loss.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes in the U.S., and one in five of these fatalities involves a drunk driver. In California alone, 1,120 fatal crashes involving drunk drivers occurred in 2020, leading to 1,168 deaths. The economic toll of these incidents is significant, with drunk-driving fatalities costing California over $4.5 billion in 2020.
FAQs
- What should I do immediately after a car accident? Ensure everyone’s safety first, call emergency services, exchange information with the other driver, take photos, gather witness contact details, report the accident to the police, and seek medical attention.
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- What compensation can I seek in a wrongful death claim? Surviving family members may seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of future income, companionship, and emotional distress.
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- How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California? The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of death. Prompt action is critical to meet this deadline.
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- What evidence is vital in a wrongful death case? Key evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, accident scene photos, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists.
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- Why hire a personal injury attorney? An attorney navigates the legal system, handles paperwork, and negotiates with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation and justice for your loss.
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Don’t navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Let the Scranton Law Firm stand by your side. With over 50 years of experience as personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped thousands recover from their losses. If you or a loved one are affected by a Lodi pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Secure your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation – The Scranton Law Firm, your trusted ally in these challenging times. Call 800-707-0707 now.Â