Mario Gongora Castaneda has been identified by authorities as the victim in an alleged DUI pedestrian collision that occurred on September 22 in Petaluma. Mr. Gongora Castaneda, a 53-year-old local resident, was on the sidewalk taking out his trash near the roundabout crossing of McDowell Boulevard and Baywood Drive at about 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile James Watkins, a 41-year-old Cotati resident, was driving a Toyota Prius on McDowell and drove on to the sidewalk, striking Mr. Gongora Castaneda. The man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and tragically died later on from his injuries. Mr. Watkins, who already had a DUI case pending, was determined to be under the influence and arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI. The Petaluma Police Department is investigated the tragic incident.
We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victim during this difficult time.
When individuals are harmed or killed in traffic accidents and another party is at fault, full compensation is not always granted, despite the circumstances. Skilled legal representation from a car accident attorney is typically a must in these situations. Legal Defenders at the Law Offices of Burg and Brock has helped countless families and individuals obtain the compensation they need to deal with expenses and move on with their lives. To learn more, call us today at (818) 405-9091.
