Nine people including seven children, were injured in a California car accident as they were returning from a trip to Disneyland in Orange County on September 27, 2009. According to an ABC news report, the SUV with the children and their grandmother was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver who was speeding on Highway 99. California Highway Patrol officials said the male driver of the SUV then lost control causing the vehicle to roll over. The driver of the SUV was partially ejected from the vehicle and sustained head injuries. The woman and her grandchildren all suffered injuries described as “minor to moderate.”
My heart goes out to this family for the trauma and distress they have suffered, apparently after having a wonderful family trip to Disneyland. I hope the driver who was ejected was not seriously hurt. I wish him, the grandmother and the seven grandchildren a fast recovery from their injuries. This family will certainly be in my prayers.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
Based on this news report, it appears that the suspected drunk driver in this Bakersfield car accident, who was also speeding on the highway, caused this horrific crash. It’s a miracle that more were not seriously injured in the rollover crash. I hope the drunk driver is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight deaths and 141 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Bakersfield. In Kern County as a whole, 42 deaths and 507 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of alcohol-related car accidents.
Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.
Car Accident Liability Issues
This family would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has the experience and a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. In such cases, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization and even long-term care. If the driver who is at fault lacks car insurance, the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of the victims’ own car insurance policy may help compensate them. Making such a claim with an insurance company is however, a complicated matter and best handled by a skilled car accident lawyer who has extensive experience dealing with these issues.
I’m also curious about why the driver of the SUV was partially ejected, which likely caused his head injuries. I wonder if his seatbelt failed causing him to be ejected. If there are auto products liability issues, the vehicle should be preserved so that it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects, mechanical malfunction and other evidence.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.