The tragic incident occurred on a Saturday evening on the 5 Freeway near the 91 Freeway interchange in Anaheim, California. The victims were Sofia Barrera, a 2-year-old girl, and her grandfather, Albino Barrera, aged 73. They were traveling in the back seat of the family SUV when the crash happened. Albino was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly at the scene, while Sofia succumbed to her injuries shortly after the accident.
Sofia's mother and grandmother were also in the vehicle and sustained injuries that required hospitalization. Fortunately, Ishmael Barrera Romero, Sofia's brother, managed to escape serious injury during the crash. The family had been returning home from a church member's birthday party when their vehicle was struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence. The suspected DUI driver involved in the crash was also hospitalized, but further details about their condition or identity have not been disclosed.
Legal Implications and Investigation
The California Highway Patrol is actively investigating the incident as a DUI crash. Key aspects of the investigation include:
- Determining the impairment levels of the suspected DUI driver
- Assessing any potential traffic violations that may have contributed to the crash
- Considering potential charges for vehicular manslaughter, given the fatalities involved
Ongoing Investigation
- The identity of the suspected DUI driver has not yet been disclosed, as the investigation is ongoing.
Importance of Awareness
This tragic event highlights the critical need for increased awareness and prevention efforts regarding impaired driving. Such measures are essential to:
- Prevent future incidents
- Protect the safety of all road users
How Goldfaden Benson Can Assist Families Affected by DUI Crashes
Families affected by DUI crashes may face significant emotional and financial challenges. They may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress resulting from such incidents. Legal action can help alleviate some of these burdens by holding responsible parties accountable and securing necessary financial support.
At Goldfaden Benson, we have extensive experience in handling wrongful death and personal injury cases involving impaired drivers. Our legal team is committed to providing compassionate and effective representation to ensure that victims' families receive the justice and financial support they deserve. We understand the complexities of these cases and work diligently to navigate the legal process on behalf of our clients.
If your family has been affected by a similar tragedy, contact Goldfaden Benson today for expert legal guidance and support. We are here to assist you in pursuing the compensation and justice that can help you move forward.
