Blog

Catastrophic Injury Trial LawyerTragic accident serves as a reminder not to drink and drive this holiday season

Chanel 7 news (KABC) has reported that 7-year-old Diyarbek Uzakbaev, a second grade student at the Vail Elementary School, was struck and killed by Bradley Megginson, age 25, as the child was crossing the street at the 29000 block of Pujol Road in Temecula to buy a treat from an ice cream truck. Megginson, who authorities believe was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, then charged and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley.

Deaths caused by the careless actions of drunk drivers are unexpected, tragic and unbelievably devastating to the victim’s family and friends. The suffering brought about by the senseless and premature killing of such a little, precious, and innocent life at the hands of someone who acts with reckless disregard for the law is beyond words. In this case, the horrifying grief and overwhelming feeling of despair suffered by the family in planning a memorial service and burial for their beloved child is amplified by the dreadful reality of knowing that the family lacks the finances to cover these expenses.

A Sobering Reminder

As we approach the holidays, it is important to be mindful that the consumption of alcoholic beverages at Christmas lunches and dinners, office parties, and other social gatherings is an accepted part of our culture. Social drinking is perceived as innocent fun and is highly looked forward to and expected during this time of the year. As leaders, parents and responsible members of our communities, we need to set the proper example and plan to avoid driving when we know we will be attending a social function where alcoholic beverages will be offered. We also need to caution and remind the young adult and teenage drivers in our families that each time they drive drunk there is a very real possibility of causing an accident resulting in death or catastrophic injuries. The tragic loss of young Diyarbek Uzakbaev is a clear and devastating reminder of this fact.

An Attorney Can Help

Drunk driving cases are complicated and require the knowledge, skill and experience of an injury trial lawyer to properly explore all avenues of recovery with the intention of obtaining the largest settlement for the family. Personal injury attorney Fernando D. Vargas, who during the beginning of his career defended the interests of insurance companies in motor vehicle accident cases, including drunk driving accidents resulting in injuries and death, has been litigating and negotiating personal injury cases since 1987. The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas handles all types of motor vehicle accident cases involving pedestrians, motorcycles, commercial trucks and buses, bicycles, and trains, as well as premises accidents and dog bite incidents.