California news reports that a the driver responsible for killing a pedestrian in a California drunk driving accident was a drug counselor at a Torrance treatment center. The suspect, Sherri Wilkins, tried to help others deal with the addiction she had "tried to put behind her."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the pedestrian accident occurred when Wilkins allegedly hit a man while she was driving under the influence on Torrance Boulevard. After she struck man, she continued to drive for more than two miles with the victim embedded on her windshield.

The victim, Philip Moreno, still had a pulse when the police officers arrived, but died shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. Wilkins' blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit of 0.08. She was subsequently arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter.

This accident is a tragedy for all involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, its important to seek the advice of an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney at once. Where a drunk driving accident leads to an injury, the driver may face at least two separate and distinct legal proceedings. First, the driver may face criminal charges and penalties as the result of a DUI. Additionally, in a personal injury accident the victim may be able to recover damages in a civil lawsuit. Where a wrongful death occurs, the victim's family may be able to recover compensation in a negligence lawsuit. Talking to a skilled Sacramento injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is important to determine your rights and protect your interests in the event you are interesting in pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages.

While filing a lawsuit after a tragedy may be the furthest thing from your mind - often the costs associated with a significant personal injury or death can be substantial.

In many situations it may be possible to recover substantial compensation to offset these costs such as:

• Medical expenses

• Current and future wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

Sometimes where the negligent actions are particularly reckless it may be possible to recover punitive damages.

Here details from the pedestrian accident are slow to emerge. Wilkins allegedly panicked after hitting Moreno and kept driving. Other drivers somehow managed to stop Wilkins and grab her keys several blocks later at 182nd Street and Crenshaw Boulevard. Wilkins told police she was on her way home from work at the time of the crash however officials from the treatment facility said they were closed at the time of the incident.

Sadly, Wilkins had been on the road to recovery when the accident occurred.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a top Sacramento personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate appointment.