An Altadena man was killed after a drunk driver struck his motorcycle in Pasadena. The accident occurred at 4:39 a.m. according to police. The victim, an unnamed 57-year-old male from Altadena, was reportedly riding his motorcycle in Pasadena on Fair Oaks Avenue when a drunk driver in a 2006 BMW X3 took an improper turn and struck the victim down. According to Police Lt. Goodman “ The victim collided with the suspect’s vehicle and was ejected from the motorcycle.”

Pasadena Fire Department paramedics rushed the motorcyclist to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries before ultimately succumbing to them. After a short investigation, the driver of the BMW was identified by police as 42-year-old Pasadena man Shawn Antonio. A repeat offender, Antonio was “arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI” in an official statement released by local authorities.

Taking into account various facets of California law, a murder conviction is not outside the realm of possibility for Antonio. According to California law, defendants with a previous DUI conviction could be tried for murder if their second DUI results in the death of another person. Considering that Antonio has already been the subject of a DUI in the past, the prosecution may very well have a case. While it is still to early to tell what kind of charges he will receive, a trial is pending. Los Angeles records state that Antonio is being held on a $2 million bail pending trial and any additional charges.

These days, it seems that the road is a commodity largely reserved for larger vehicles rather than a public means for all drivers.. Motorcycles continue to lose respect form more common vehicles such as a typical car or truck. Motorcycle accidents are an extremely prevalent occurrence. In fact, according to estimates by the Governors Highway Safety Association, motorcycle fatalities have increased nationwide by over 10% in the last two years alone. If previous years worth of statistics are anything to go by, this percentage shows no sign of dropping anytime soon. The reasons for this increase are numerous. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often overlooked and disrespected by other vehicles on the road. Add to that the carelessness of DUI drivers who claim the lives of over 10,000 people annually and it’s a recipe for tragedy.

Have you or a loved one experienced a motorcycle accident due to the carelessness of others? Don’t allow yourself to be marginalized. You need to speak with an experienced personal injury and DUI lawyer today. At The Paris Firm, we can help. Contact The Paris Firm now to schedule a free initial consultation.