The U.S. Department of Transportation released numbers on traffic fatalities for 2016 and the news isn’t good. Overall, the number of fatal injuries increased from 35,485 in 2015 to 37,461 in 2016. This is the highest this number has been since 2007. The number of drunk driving fatalities also increased by 1.7% in 2016. Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime that can affect not just the person driving, but passengers and other motorists. The Daily Breeze reports on a father who is facing charges after his daughter was severely injured in a crash where a DUI is suspected.
55-year-old Gil Hernandez was driving south on Prairie Avenue in a black BMW with his daughter in the front passenger seat. At about 5:45 p.m., Hernandez’s vehicle collided with two other cars at the intersection with 182nd Street in Torrance.
Hernandez was not injured, but his daughter, who is 10 years old, was seriously injured in the crash.
According to witnesses at the scene, Hernandez was speeding and passing several vehicles before it crashed into a Chevrolet Impala that it was trying to maneuver around. Hernandez then lost control of the car, striking a curb, and then crossing into northbound lanes and colliding with a Toyota Camry.
The intersection was closed for nearly six hours as police worked to investigate the crash. Hernandez was arrested at the scene under suspicion of DUI.
Yesterday, Hernandez pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher and felony child abuse.
According to jail records, Hernandez has remained behind bars in lieu of a $100,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 25th. This hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to bring him to trial.
Have you been charged with DUI? Speak to one of our skilled attorneys today. All of our attorneys are experienced in the field of DUI defense. Call us today.
