GARDEN GROVE, California — Kimberly Krause, 32, of Garden Grove was killed Thursday night when her motorized scooter collided with the driver of an SUV who fled the scene of the fatal crash, but was later arrested by police, according to an Orange County Sheriff Coroner press release

Steven Newcomer, 43, of Santa Ana was later arrested on suspected felony hit and run, felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges a short time after the fatal Garden Grove crash.

Paramedics found Krause severely injured and laying on the sidewalk so they rushed her to UCI Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries, but she died about 20 minutes after the crash at 9 p.m., according to the report.

The Garden Grove collision took place after the two vehicles collided at Chapman Avenue and Pioneer Drive.

According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Report Garden Grove reported 14 people killed including three on motorcycles and 647 injured including 26 on motorcycles in 2009. Overall, there were 141 killed and 13,373 people injured in all collisions Orange County in 2009.

–Orange County Car Accident Law Firm

In California, fatal traffic accidents were down 12% to 2,715 deaths in 2010 compared to 3,090 killed in 2009, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, national statistics show that traffic fatalities have declined in recent years across the United States, down roughly 3% to 32,885 deaths in 2010 compared to 33,883 killed in 2009.

Police investigate every car accident involving a death to determine the cause of a crash. The investigation typically seeks to find out if either driver was under the influence of alcohol, distracted or if there were any circumstances that may have led to the crash that were illegal or reckless.

“Families of victims killed in car accidents not only have to cope with the loss of a loved one, but the fact that an alleged drunk driver caused the accident is difficult to accept,” said Seegmiller. “Many families in this situation want to obtain justice for their loved one and make sure the drunk driver is brought to justice.”

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident we know that this is a difficult time. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in serious traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed in traffic accidents. Our staff is compassionate and understands the pain its clients are going through. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have been killed. has a proven track record supported by settlements ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.

There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.