(Downey, CA) A 24-year-old man caused a Gallatin Road house crash, killing Agia Guirguis, 72, in Downey.
On Saturday, August 16, at about 2:30 a.m., the Gallatin Road house crash occurred. According to the Downey Police Department, it happened in the 9500 block of Gallatin Road, just west of the Santa Ana (5) Freeway.
When police investigated, they learned a 24-year-old man from Maywood drove eastbound on Gallatin Road. All of a sudden, he crashed into a nearby residence. By the time authorities arrived, they pronounced Agia Guirguis, who resided inside the home, dead. Officers later arrested the man on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.
Legal Opinion of the Gallatin Road House Crash
Crashing a vehicle into a home and killing a resident inside is a grave matter under California law. In this case, Downey Police arrested the 24-year-old driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. That points directly to California Vehicle Code 23152, which prohibits driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. When a DUI leads to someone’s death, the law treats it as more than just a traffic violation, it becomes a felony.
The driver also faces possible charges under California Penal Code 191.5(a). This covers gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. It applies when a person drives under the influence and kills someone through reckless or negligent actions. Prosecutors use this law to hold drunk drivers accountable for deadly outcomes.
The victim, Agia Guirguis, was inside her own home. When a car slams through a residential wall, it shows a complete failure to maintain control and observe basic safety. Whether the driver was speeding, weaving, or simply too impaired to drive, his actions created a deadly hazard that ended an innocent life.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Agia Guirguis has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows surviving relatives to seek compensation. The claim can include funeral costs, emotional suffering, and the loss of support or companionship that Ms. Guirguis provided. Since the driver has already been arrested for DUI and vehicular manslaughter, that strengthens the civil case. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue a civil claim, but if one happens, it makes proving fault much easier.
The family should reach out to a wrongful death attorney right away. The lawyer can gather the Gallatin Road house crash police report, DUI test results, and any surveillance footage showing the crash. Evidence like this can be powerful in proving the driver’s liability. An attorney can also deal directly with the insurance companies for compensation.
DUI-related deaths also open the door to punitive damages, which are extra financial penalties meant to punish the driver and prevent future incidents. Pursuing those damages helps ensure full accountability and may provide some measure of justice for such an avoidable loss.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
