By: William M. Berman, Esquire
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA – On January 4, 2009, Yine Gonzalez and her unborn child were killed in an automobile accident that occurred on Interstate 5. Authorities say that John Francis Sudac, Jr., was changing lanes in his vehicle when he rear-ended the Ford Explorer that Ms. Gonzalez was driving. The impact caused her vehicle to roll several times.
According to a prosecutor, Mr. Sudac will be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run causing death and drug possession. Mr. Sudac entered a plea of not guilty earlier this week and will stand trial later this year. If convicted, he faces up to eleven years in prison.
The sudden death of a loved one caused by the reckless acts of another causes unimaginable sorrow and loss that many times remain with the victim’s family and friends for the rest of their lives. In addition to bringing criminal charges, the family can also file a civil complaint for wrongful death. At Berman & Riedel, LLP, the attorneys and staff are experienced in handling wrongful death cases, and understand not only the legal aspects but also the emotional aspects affecting our clients.
William M. Berman is an attorney with the firm Berman & Riedel, LLP, a personal injury litigation firm. Mr. Berman handles wrongful death cases throughout the State of California, including matters arising from fatal accidents.