A repeat DUI offender struck and killed a pregnant woman walking with her husband on a sidewalk on August 11 in Anaheim. The victim, who authorities have identified as 23-year old Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center in critical condition. However, she died shortly after arrival. She was 35 weeks pregnant, and her baby was removed from her body and continues to be treated at the hospital.
Aguilar’s husband was also struck in the accident but did not suffer any significant injuries. Bystanders noted that he was able to check his wife’s pulse and cry for help immediately after the accident.
The driver who killed Aguilar is 40-year old Courtney Pandolfi, who has two prior DUIs and was driving on a suspended license. She was arrested for vehicular manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license.
Pandolfi is one of a growing number of repeat DUI offenders in California. Statistics show that DUIs continue to increase each year in the state. Likewise, hit and run accidents contribute to more than 2000 injuries and deaths in California each year.
When you or someone you love is the victim of a hit and run or DUI-related accident, you need to hire an experienced Sherman Oaks personal injury attorney to represent you. Your Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident attorney can pursue the rights that you are entitled to as a victim under California’s personal injury laws.
When you retain a personal injury lawyer Sherman Oaks victims like you can secure evidence that you need to win your case. Your Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident attorney can secure this evidence right away so that it is not compromised or lost during the accident cleanup process. A Sherman Oaks injury lawyer can also get a copy of the accident report from the police right away.
However, if you are the offender, you also need a lawyer to look out for your best legal interests. By hiring an experienced pedestrian hit and run accident lawyer Sherman Oaks drivers like you can ensure that your rights are protected fully under the law. You do not have to submit to questioning or sentencing without a lawyer by your side.
If you retain a pedestrian hit and run accident lawyer Sherman Oaks DUI offenders like you can also get representation during all of your court appearances. Your lawyer can argue for why you may not warrant the fullest punishment allowed under California law.
You might be eligible for a lesser sentence or be sentenced to time in a lower security facility. Your lawyer can also negotiate any settlement between you and the victim or victim’s family.
The case of a recent hit and run accident in Anaheim highlights the dangers of drinking and driving under the influence. The 23-year old victim leaves behind a premature baby and devastated husband because of a repeat DUI offender’s actions. By hiring a pedestrian injury lawyer Sherman Oaks families like yours can move forward easier. With a pedestrian injury lawyer Sherman Oaks victims can get compensation and justice under the law.