Over 500 people gathered in Cypress today to say goodbye to Steven Uselton, 44, and his son Douglas, 17. The father and son were killed in a Santa Ana car accident involving an allegedly drunk driver on December 18. According to police, the Useltons were catastrophically injured when a 2009 Mitsubishi Lance driven by Anaheim resident Rafael Lopez struck their 2000 Buick LeSabre.
The 18-year-old driver allegedly was driving with a .13 blood alcohol level--the legal limit in California for a driver his age is .01%--and operating his vehicle at a "high" speed when he struck the Useltons' vehicle, causing it to travel over 130 feet. Uselton is charged with causing death with gross negligence while intoxicated. Sentencing enhancements over causing great bodily harm are also included.
In other recent Southern California traffic crash news, a 66-year-old man was killed in a Santa Monica pedestrian accident on Thursday night and police are still determining whether to charge the driver, who has been identified as a 19-year-old male.
The victim, Herceg Vlado, was crossing Wilshire Boulevard close to 10th street when the Los Angeles car accident happened. He was in a crosswalk at the time. Although the intersection doesn't have a traffic light, vehicles there generally yield to pedestrians.
Whether you or someone you love was injured in a traffic crash in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, or Orange County, California, our Anaheim car accident law firm represents injury victims in these geographic areas and can help you explore your legal options.
What to do if you've been in a Southern California car accident:
• Stop at the crash site.
• Contact 911 if you or someone else has been hurt.
• Exchange contact information with all parties involved.
• Get contact information of any witnesses and document their accounts of what happened.
• Seek medical care for your injuries.
• Document pertinent facts about the accident, including who was involved, when did it happen, where did it happen, and who did what.
• Contact an Orange County, Califiornia injury law firm that handles traffic crash cases.
Santa Monica police investigators still undecided on charges in Wilshire Blvd. pedestrian's death, LA Times, December 28, 2010
500 remember student, father killed in crash, The OC Register, December 28, 2010
Related Web Resources:
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Holiday Drunk Driving Crackdown , NHTSA, December 13, 2010
