Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

It is a fact of this life that one never knows when one’s life will end. You could be driving down the street one day, and without warning, BAM! It’s all over. It’s a disturbing thought, yes, but it’s something that happens all too often in this country. The death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart in April of this year is a stark reminder to the public of the tragedy that occurs when a loved one is suddenly lost. Most of the time, the victims of vehicular manslaughter are not famous, but their loss is no less important to their loved ones.

The reason for Adenhart’s tragic death is that another person chose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated, and use that vehicle to kill three people. But it’s not just the influence of drugs and alcohol that can cause vehicular manslaughter. Drivers distracted with cell phones, talking or texting, can yield the same result. In August of 2007, Daniel Oates was riding his bicycle in the bike lane. He was killed when an oncoming driver used his cell phone to send a text message. Distracted, he swerved across lanes of traffic and struck Oates, who was only fourteen years old.

Vehicular manslaughter is causing the death of another person with a vehicle that was being driven negligently, either with or without intoxication. The penalties for this crime can be jail time for as little as one year, or up to fifteen years in a state prison, depending on the circumstances. If intoxication of the driver that caused the deaths is involved, the greater penalty is incurred. Prior convictions can also be taken into consideration.

If you find yourself in the middle of this type of tragedy, the lawyers at Rizio and Nelson can help. Their experience and expertise can get you through the situation. After all, vehicular manslaughter is not an intentional act.