On July 15, 2017, police officers arrested a suspect who had fled the scene of a Newport Beach accident in which a cyclist died while another was seriously hurt. The suspect’s name is Taylor Evans, 23 years old and a resident of Santa Ana. The charges against him include vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, and felony DUI with bodily injury.
What Happened in the Bike Accident?
This bike incident happened when the two cyclists were struck by a vehicle as they were northbound on Newport Boulevard near Industrial Way. The cyclist who died has been identified as Jose Vasquez-Perez, 41 years old. The other cyclist was reportedly injured, though the severity of his injuries is still uncertain.
According to the still ongoing investigation, the driver of the vehicle fled before the police officers arrived at the scene. However, he was found by the police a short time later after the accident. He was discovered attempting to push his vehicle out of the roadway on Newport Boulevard near 16th Street.
The Pertinent Law for Injury Cases
It appears that the suspect broke several laws by his actions before, during, and after the accident. The driver wasn’t just driving while drunk. He also hit one cyclist and killed another. Driving while intoxicated is against California state law, and anyone breaking this law will be held liable for any resulting injuries and deaths as a result.
Finally, he also fled the scene. California state law also forbids involved drivers from fleeing the scene of a serious car crash. The law requires the drivers to stop their vehicle right away, to call 911, and to remain on the scene until the police officers arrive.
This particular case reminds everybody of the importance of not driving after drinking. It’s also a reminder that if you are ever involved in a car crash, you must remain on the scene and try to call 911 as quickly as possible. Failure to do so can lead to charges being filed against you.
Legal Options in the Case
If you or any family member has been injured in a car collision, or have lost a family member because of such an incident, you should consult with a car crash lawyer to examine your legal options.
This is especially true if a driver had fled the scene, or if any driver has been found to have been driving while intoxicated. These circumstances can enable you to receive just compensation for the medical expenses and lost income you may have incurred as a result of the accident, as well as for your pain and suffering. It can also help discourage the drunk driver from ever driving while intoxicated ever again. At Personal Injury Lawyers San Diego we handle a lot of cases like this. We handle drunk driving accident cases in San Diego and also bicycle accident cases as well.
The suit can also help discourage other drivers as well, and it can also help remind other drivers to remain at the scene and to help out. It’s not just your family who receives compensation, as the whole community benefits as well.