A man has pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal Garden Grove car accident that killed 64-year-old Mukhtar Bagum on July 19, 2008. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Eduardo Orozcoaguilera, 27, pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter in addition to an enhancement for fleeing the scene of a crime.

He is expected to get a seven-year prison sentence on October 4. Prosecutors said Orozcoaguilera was speeding and swerving in and out of lanes and eventually crashed into the 2004 Toyota Sequoia carrying Bagum on the 22 Freeway. Orozcoaguilera initially fled the scene, but later admitted he was the driver. Bagum sustained fatal head injuries and died at the scene.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Mukhtar Bagum for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers. I'm pleased that Orozcoaguilera has admitted his guilt and is ready to accept his punishment. I trust the court will give him the maximum punishment under the law.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 717 injuries involving car accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Vehicular Manslaughter and Hit-and-Run

This case is an example of how reckless driving and failure to follow the law can have serious consequences. Orozcoaguilera faced vehicular manslaughter charges for speeding and driving recklessly without a concern for public safety. At the same time, he also faced serious charges of felony hit-and-run plus an enhancement because he left the scene of the crash without taking responsibility for it.

California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Wrongful Death Claim

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

What are some precautions you take on the road to guard against reckless drivers?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.