The Press-Enterprise released an article describing a hit and run accident occurring in The City of San Bernardino on Sunday, January 28, 2018. A man was walking eastbound on Baseline Street, west of University Parkway, in San Bernardino just before 5 a.m. when he was struck by a 1999 Infinity Q45. After also colliding with an Edison Pole, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene. Fortunately, the police were able to track him down and arrest him, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed the suspect was driving under the influence, but no other details have been released.

As children, we are always taught to look both ways before crossing a street.  The accepted theory is that “pedestrians always have the right of way,” however, when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, common mindset goes right out the window.  An intoxicated driver places everyone on the road and sidewalks at risk.   In a split second an accident can occur and right of way does nothing to protect the innocent. With one foolish decision, a life can be brought to an end. In the dreadful accident that happened that early Sunday morning, an innocent man lost his life.  He believed he was safe crossing a street when the car suddenly appeared and ran him down. A family is now without a son, a friend, and loved one.  The senseless action of the car’s driver has changed the course of a family’s life forever.

In increasing numbers, drivers caught in these situations often flee the scene for fear of prosecution.  Even if the driver didn’t cause the accident, they will often flee for no discernable reason. If no one else witnesses the accident and the driver flees, the damage can compounded. When an auto/pedestrian accident is quickly reported, the victim stands a better chance of surviving. If left bleeding in the street, the victim’s chances of survival are greatly diminished.

Drivers who cause such an accident while Under the Influence face a multitude of penalties.  The driver can be prosecuted in court and sentenced to State Prison.   Also, independent of any action taken by a court, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may initiate a Negligent Operator proceeding to revoke that person’s Driver License.  If the DMV begins the process to revoke a Driver License for Negligent Operation, the accused driver is not automatically granted a hearing.  It is the obligation of the accused driver to schedule an Administrative Hearing to protect their license and to retain an expert representative to advocate for them and their case.

While the matter above seems to represent a clear case of drunk driving leading to bad decisions, not all fatality cases are the driver’s fault. In some cases, innocent drivers are involved in accidents that are simply unavoidable. In situations like this, fighting for one’s rights may prevent an innocent driver from being unjustly punished. When choosing a DMV Defense Expert to represent you, be careful to select an expert who understands the law and the inner workings of the DMV.

If you or someone you know is facing the revocation of their driver license for a fatal accident,   do not wait to seek help. California Drivers Advocates is a team of DMV Defense experts who can help defend California drivers at a DMV Administrative Hearing. Mr. Rob Collier is the President and CEO of California Drivers Advocates. He and his team are dedicated, highly experienced and understand DMV process and procedure. Visit Rob and his team at their website or contact them at 1-888-281-5244.  They will be happy to answer any questions you may have with no cost or obligation.