Albert Chris Hanley has filed a Los Angeles County wrongful death lawsuit against RA Sushi and its parent company Benihana. Hanley's wife Drean, 59, sustained massive internal injuries, a spinal cord injury, became paralyzed, broke several ribs, and fell into a coma before dying seven days after the July 2, 2009 Torrance car crash. Hanley is seeking to hold the defendants financially liable for allegedly serving alcohol to a minor and letting him drive off drunk.
Paul Kyu Kim, 20 is accused of driving at speeds as high as 100 mph on the Long Island Freeway before rear-ending Drean's vehicle, which caused it to strike the concrete center divider. Kim has been charged with driving with a BAC of .08% or greater and driving under the influence causing injury. He has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. His criminal trial is scheduled to take place next month. If convicted, Kim faces a 10-year maximum jail sentence.
In his Torrance car accident lawsuit, Hanley accuses the restaurant of repeatedly serving alcohol to Kim even though he is underage. The complaint contends that even though the driver showed signs of being drunk, including glassy or bloodshot eyes, messy appearance, impaired judgment, and difficulty walking straight, none of the restaurant's employees prevented him from getting into his vehicle.
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers usually have poor reflexes, may not even be aware that they are speeding or following too closely, and often don't realize that they are about to be involved in a Los Angeles car accident until it is too late. Drunk driving is illegal and can be grounds for both a criminal case and a civil case against the negligent driver. There also may be other parties that should be held liable for your drunk driving injuries, which is why it is a good idea to consult with an experienced Los Angeles injury lawyer.
Man files suit against Torrance restaurant after crash kills his wife, DailyBreeze.com, April 14, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Impaired Driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
