Shocking Video Shows Moments Leading to Fatal Riverside Wrong Way Freeway Crash

A shocking video shows what transpired moments before a deadly wrong-way car accident on the 60 Freeway in Riverside, which results in the death of Jehan Mapatuna, a man who was celebrating his birthday. According to ABC7 news report, the eerie footage shows a red Mustang going against traffic on the 60 Freeway just before it slammed into the Dodge Caravan SUV carrying Mapatuna early morning on July 15. The woman behind the wheel of the Mustang drove on the wrong side of the freeway for seven miles before crashing into the SUV near the Main Street exit.

Tragic DUI Crash

Mapatuna who was the passenger in the SUV died from his injuries. The drivers of both vehicles suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The driver of the Caravan, Alazar Omari, who has since been released from the hospital told ABC7 that Mapatuna was his best friend and that they were driving home after celebrating his birthday.

The woman who was driving the Mustang was under the influence, officials said. Mapatuna had asked his friend to drive because he had consumed a few celebratory drinks. Omari said his friend was recently accepted to UCLA to study math and physics. Police have said the driver of the Mustang will be charged with DUI when she is released from the hospital.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family members of Jehan Mapatuna for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Laws and Liability Issues

It is unlawful to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. In this particular case, the DUI crash resulted in a death, which means the driver could face vehicular manslaughter charges in addition to felony DUI charges.

In addition to facing criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Families of deceased victims can file what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.

An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer will be able to guide grieving families through what could be a complex legal process and help them secure justice and compensation for their tremendous losses.

Source: http://abc7.com/video-mustang-speeds-wrong-way-before-deadly-ie-crash/3772597/