Labor Day Drunk Driving Accident Takes Life of Bakersfield Father

Rigoberto Palomares, a 28 year old father of one with a baby on the way, was killed late Friday night when a drunk driver struck the farm harvester he was operating.  The pickup that caused the accident and the harvester overturned, pinning Palomares under the machine.  He was rushed to Kern Medical Center where he died soon after.  Rogelio Zaragoza, the driver of the pickup truck, was arrested for driving while under the influence, and will likely face gross vehicular manslaughter charges as well.

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend law enforcement was out in full force in Bakersfield to help prevent people from driving while intoxicated. Approximately 30 people were arrested in the area.  Efforts to increase safety has become a normal routine on major holidays in California.  From Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, officers patrol the streets heavily in an effort to keep drunk drivers off the streets.  While most are have enough sense about them not to drive when they are impaired, a few still think nothing of getting into a vehicle while they are intoxicated.

While incidents of fatality caused by driving under the influence have decreased over the last 10 years, cases like that of Palomares do still happen, destroying the lives of families.  In these instances, the victims are often eligible to receive damages when they file a wrongful death lawsuit.  While it does not bring the loved one back, it does help keep other motorists responsible for their actions, and often helps the family who may be left in financial straits.  It often helps them in their pursuit of closure as well.

California drunk driving accident attorneys have observed in recent years that in general, the publics tolerance for those driving while under the influence has decreased significantly.  Families who have lost loved ones in this manner should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit, not only to help cover funeral and burial expenses, but to compensate them for income that may be lost due to the death of their loved one.

If you have lost a loved one, or they have been seriously injured because of a drunk driver, the Reeves Law Group is dedicated to representing victims of personal injury.  Our vast experience, personal interest and dedication to our clients will insure that Bakersfield drunk drivers causing accidents pay for their actions, and that you get the compensation you deserve for the suffering your family has endured.