A 71-year-old Californian man killed in a 2010 Santa Maria motor vehicle accident had originally been blamed for the crash, but authorities now say the other driver was fully at fault, report news sources.
Investigators originally said that on April 5, 2010, the elderly motorist, while driving a 2006 Chrysler Infinity, had pulled out in front of a 1992 BMW driven by a Santa Maria man who was 20-years-old at the time of the crash. However, arguments made by an accident reconstruction expert and toxicology reports showing that the younger motorist was drunk at the time of the crash prompted authorities to place blame with the driver of the BMW.
The BMW driver, now age 22, was originally charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, but the charge was later changed to a felony. He plead guilty to the amended charged Monday and received a five-year suspended prison sentence and one year in jail.
As a Ventura car accident attorney, I find this story to be a perfect illustration of why it’s important to get expert help in the wake of a car accident.
If you or someone you care about has been the victim of a car accident, and you believe the other party is at fault, contact a car accident lawyer to learn what options are available to help you get the support you deserve during your time of need.
