Brock Warmuth, 22, was seriously injured in a Ventura County car accident after his bicycle was struck by a car the morning of October 6, 2009. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, Warmuth was riding his bicycle east along Bristol Road when a car driven by 48-year-old Cynthia Ginn hit him from behind. Warmuth was thrown off his bike. Ginn did not stop at the scene of the crash. A witness to the hit-and-run car accident followed Ginn while another person stopped and called 911 to help the injured bicyclist. Police arrested Ginn after they saw her passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle. She was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run. Warmuth, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered major injuries and was taken to an area hospital.
My heart goes out to Brock Warmuth who has suffered major head trauma in this accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.
Ventura Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality, but 34 injuries, involving bicycle accidents reported in Ventura. During the same period, four deaths and 66 injuries involving DUI car accidents occurred in Ventura as well.
If Ginn is found guilty of driving under the influence and hit-and-run, there is no question that she should be punished for her actions. She should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the severe injuries she caused Warmuth. Both driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident are serious crimes in California, especially when they cause major injuries or death to someone other than the drunk driver.
California Car Accident Laws
California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “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. Also, California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Where there is negligence involved, victims and their families would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights, pursue the negligent parties and make sure they are held accountable for their actions. Injured victims in such cases may seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earning, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and even long-term care expenses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
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.