A drunk driver has been sentenced to six years in prison in connection with an Orange County car accident, when he struck two men changing a tire on the freeway, killing one and injuring another. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Felipe Navarro Orona, 45, pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter after the April 18, 2009 car accident when he drove on the shoulder of the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, struck and killed 23-year-old Jose Castellanos. Joe Rodriguez, 21, sustained head injuries in that car accident.

Prosecutors said Orona showed obvious signs of intoxication including slurred speech and blood shot eyes. His blood alcohol level two hours after the accident was 0.15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Many of Castellano's family and friends delivered touching victim impact statements during Orona's sentencing hearing. Rodriguez apparently is Castellano's cousin. He said in his statement about Castellanos: "I still can't believe he is gone."

DUI Car Accident Shatters Family

There is no question that a DUI accident has a significant impact on members of a victim's family. In this case, the family was dealt a severe blow with one member deceased and another, Rodriguez, severely injured in the crash. Tragic! I believe that this drunk driver, Orona, got what he deserved.

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Orange County. According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 75 deaths and 1,501 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of alcohol-related car accidents. In Anaheim alone, during the same period, 10 fatalities and 182 injuries were reported as a result of DUI car accidents.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Please remember that both driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs (recreational or prescription) is against the law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a negligent or drunk driver, please contact a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has experience financially pursuing negligent and drunk drivers. In this particular case, I'm certain that the Castellanos and Rodriguez families have experienced severe emotional and financial strain as the result of Orona's negligence and wrongdoing.

This story should serve as a wakeup call to anyone who doesn't think twice about getting behind the wheel of their cars after they have had a few drinks. Please bear in mind that during the holiday season DUI car accidents in Orange County tend to increase and so does DUI enforcement. Please drive safely and remember, it's never worth it to drink and drive.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.