Drunken driver faces multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter
FRESNO, CA, (November 22, 2024) - A Fresno resident was allegedly driving under the influence on Friday evening in the area of Highway 180 and Grantland Avenue when he crashed into another car, killing its driver and injuring two juvenile passengers.
Pedro Garcia Velarde, a 44-year-old resident of Kerman, lost his life following a two-vehicle crash involving a drunk driver in Fresno County Friday evening, according to authorities.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased victim as 44-year-old Pedro Garcia Velarde of Kerman.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a pickup truck was traveling westbound on Highway 180 around 6:20 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, the driver—a 56-year-old Fresno man—crossed over the center line and crashed into a Kia Optima going eastbound on the same route. The 14-year-olds riding in the Kia were transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries, officials said.
Officials said the driver of the pickup was arrested on suspicion of DUI, DUI causing death, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The investigation remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
The death of the victim underscores the dangers of drunk driving, which, most experts say, is 100% preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 1,479 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol in the state of California in 2022.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Pedro Garcia Velarde may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).