Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

LONG BEACH - 22-year-old Dana Acosta of Anaheim died following a suspected DUI accident late Friday night in Long Beach, the Long Beach Post reported. The incident was reported at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Wardlow Road at about 11:44 p.m. on Friday, April 1st. Heriberto Cervantes, 29, of Los Angeles, was driving a 1991 Toyota Camry north on Atlantic Avenue without his headlights on when he ran a red light at Wardlow. He swerved to avoid colliding with a 2005 Toyota Scion that was crossing the intersection on a green light. The Camry spun out of control and crash into a palm tree. Cervantes suffered multiple serious injuries to his upper body and was hospitalized. His passenger, Dana Acosta, died of her injuries shortly after arrival at the hospital. Cervantes also arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving, driving on a suspended license, and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the April 1st Long Beach Crash

The cause of the accident remains under investigation; anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Long Beach Police Accident Investigation Detective Brian Watt at 562-570-7355. Based on the news reports, it appears that Cervantes is responsible for this accident.

DUI Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated put everyone on the road at risk, particularly the passengers in their own vehicles. Drivers who cause accidents that kill their passengers may be held accountable for their actions in a wrongful death claim. In addition to criminal charges for causing this accident, the driver of the Camry may also be financially liable for the death of his passenger in a civil claim for wrongful death. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking with an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer knowledgeable in the unique legal issues of DUI accident passenger deaths. A skilled lawyer can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights to hold the driver - and any other parties responsible for this accident - accountable to the maximum extent.