In Re Robert Stephen Adams, Debtor. Betty Hilda Ida Koepke Moraes v. Robert Stephen Adams, Robert Stephen Adams
Opinion
Opinion
Reinhardt, J.
Appellant Robert Adams appeals the district court’s determination that his debt to appellee Betty Moraes is nondischargeable in bankruptcy. We affirm.
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
At approximately 1:25 a.m. on January 30, 1979, a pickup truck driven by Adams collided with a car driven by Moraes. At the time of the collision, Adams was traveling west on an eastbound lane of California Interstate 8, and Moraes was traveling east. Adams had been drinking for several hours prior to the collision. When the collision occurred, Adams’ blood alcohol content was .15 per cent. Subsequent to the collision, Adams pleaded guilty to a state charge that he was driving while under the influence of alcohol.
On November 5, 1979, Moraes filed suit against Adams in California Superior Court, San Diego County, to recover damages for injuries she had sustained as a result of the collision. On or about November 12, 1982, prior to the termination of Moraes state court action, Adams filed for bankruptcy relief pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Act, 11 U.S.C. §§ 701-728 (1982). The state court proceedings were stayed pending resolution of Adams’ bankruptcy petition. On February 2, 1983, Mor-aes filed an…