A 26-year-old Rancho Cucamonga woman who was a passenger in a Porsche died early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI crash in Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported. The solo accident occurred on northbound Bouquet Canyon Road, just north of Texas Canyon Road, shortly after 2 a.m.
The driver of the 2001 Porsche, 24-year-old Michael Hemperly Jr. of Palmdale, lost control of his vehicle at an unknown speed and for unknown reasons. The passenger side of the vehicle struck a tree, and the passenger, 26-year-old Marissa Hodges of Rancho Cucamonga, who was reportedly not restrained, died at the scene of the crash.
Hemperly, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at about 5 a.m., where he was held on $130,000 bail.
Cause of the Bouquet Canyon Road Accident
The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident and are investigating the speed of the vehicle and all possible contributing factors. However, if news reports are accurate, drunk driving caused this fatal accident. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
Potential Wrongful Death Liability
If news reports are true and the 24-year-old driver of the Porsche caused this July 24th accident, he may face criminal charges for the death of the passenger for driving under the influence. Additionally, his family may pursue a wrongful death claim against him and any other possible parties that contributed to an accident. In accidents involving drunk driving in California, the source of the alcohol that was consumed prior to a crash is always a consideration. While this fatal accident remains under investigation, the family of Marissa Hodges would likely benefit from speaking to a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney who has successfully handled numerous DUI passenger wrongful death claims about this crash and the unique legal issues involved.
Estey Bomberger Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving
The attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger know first hand the devastation and heartbreak that drunk driving accidents cause. We believe that accidents caused by drunk drivers, whether they kill passengers, occupants of other vehicles, or pedestrians or cyclists, are 100% preventable. Our attorneys pursue maximum compensation for victims of DUI accidents and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com to for more information about drunk driving statistics and what you can do to stop drunk driving.
Sources: Santa Clarita Signal, Los Angeles Times, Southwest Riverside News Network, California Vehicle Code
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