OCEANSIDE, CA – An Oceanside woman, Isabella Herrera, 22, has pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated on Tuesday, after being accused of fatally striking a man on the Vista Freeway last month.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the incident occurred on Feb. 26th when 63-year-old Rafael Jurado Cardona had pulled over to change a flat tire in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near South Emerald Drive.
According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, Herrera’s vehicle swerved and hit the center divider, then struck Cardona and his car as he stood near it. Cardona died at the scene, while Herrera was hospitalized for moderate injuries.
The District Attorney’s Office has stated that if convicted of all charges filed in Vista Superior Court, Herrera could face up to 10 years in state prison. She is currently out of custody on $500,000 bail.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of a drunk driving accident in San Diego County? If so, you might have a solid case for compensation. Before you can proceed with an insurance claim or lawsuit, however, it’s vital that you take the appropriate steps immediately after the collision. First, move to the side of the road, if possible, to avoid further injury. When you can do so safely, exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the crash and call the police to request an official accident report. Take photos at the scene and make notes about the circumstances of the crash while it’s still fresh in your mind. Finally, contact the San Diego County drunk driving accident lawyers at HHJ Trial Attorneys by calling 1-619-INJURED. Alternately, complete the contact form on our website to request a free consultation.
For more information on cases like yours and how our firm can help, visit our San Diego Personal Injury Resource Center today.
