Amine Britel, victim of the fatal bicycle accident.
The woman responsible for causing a fatal hit-and-run bicycle accident involving an Orange County man faces manslaughter charges in his death.
Twenty-two-year-old Danae Marie Miller appeared in Superior Court Thursday for arraignment on one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated. She left the courthouse, free on $100,000 bail, but must return to court on December 12.
According to police reports, Miller was driving along San Joaquin Hills Road near Spy Glass Road on February 21, 2011 when she struck 44-year-old Amine Britel with her 2008 Volkswagon Jetta. Prosecutors allege that Miller was texting on her cell phone and did not see Britel as he was riding his bicycle on the road in front of her. Britel was struck from behind and subsequently died at the scene of his injuries.
Prosecutors also believe that alcohol played a part in causing the accident. Prior to the fatal bicycle accident, Miller was reportedly seen drinking at Zinc Cafe in Corona Del Mar, where she worked. Police at the scene stated that Miller had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. She also exhibited slurred speech. Her blood alcohol content level registered at .10 almost two hours after the accident. In the state of California, the legal blood alcohol limit is currently .08.
The victim, Amine Britel, was a local businessman and triathlete. According to his family, he frequently rode his bike along the hills of Newport Coast. Family members have expressed their anger at the accident and their dissatisfaction with Miller's release on bond. If convicted of causing Britel's death, Miller faces up to ten years in state prison.
In addition to criminal penalties, the victim's family may also choose to purse civil remedies against her. If it's determined that Mr. Britel's death was in fact caused by Ms. Miller's negligence, his surviving family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against her. Hopefully, they will consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney to discuss their rights.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as a result of a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may also need the help of a bicycle accident attorney. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in assisting bicycle accident victims in the Newport Coast area and through California in getting the compensation they're entitled to.
Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-718-4658 to speak with a member of our bicycle accident injury team. We offer all potential clients a free initial case evaluation and there is never a fee unless we collect a judgment on your behalf. Don't let the pain of a bicycle accident ruin your life. Call us today to get the experienced legal help you need to prove your California bicycle accident injury claim.
