Newport Beach Woman Killed in DUI Crash
Newport Beach Woman Killed in DUI Crash
Teagan Wehrmann, 19, was killed in a Huntington Beach car crash, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register the incident occurred Feb. 15 after her Ford Ranger pickup truck was hit by a Chrysler 200 near Springdale Street and Edinger Avenue. Wehrmann was transported to UCI Medical Center and died at the hospital. Her passenger, an 18-year-old Costa Mesa man, suffered minor injuries. Police also said Wehrmann was ejected from the vehicle.
The driver of the sedan, 27-year-old Darius Roberts, was uninjured but booked on suspicion of felony DUI. Based on preliminary investigation, it appears that one vehicle was traveling east on Edinger Avenue while the other was going south on Springdale when the collision occurred. Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntington Beach police at 714-536-5670.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Teagan Wehrmann for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
California DUI Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Chrysler was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and causes a fatal car accident could face vehicular manslaughter charges as well.
Justice for Victims and Families
In addition to facing criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries damages and losses they cause. In cases where fatalities are involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
Victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where victims were ejected from the vehicle, it would also be a good idea to examine the vehicle’s seat restraint system to determine whether seatbelt failure caused or contributed to the victim’s fatal injuries. If that was the case, the automaker and/or manufacturer of the defective seat restraint system could also be held liable.
