Stuart Lessig and his wife, Elizabeth, both 24, of Fallbrook, were seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, which officials say, involved a drunk driver, the evening of December 7, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of South Mission Road and Almond Street in Fallbrook. Police say Stuart Lessig was driving his 2010 Kawasaki motorcycle in the southbound lane of on South Mission Road when he was hit by a Mazda B2300 pickup truck driven by 57-year-old Randall Arnold. Officials say Arnold made a left turn in front of Lessig’s motorcycle. Lessig and his wife were thrown onto the roadway and sustained major injuries. Arnold suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
My heart goes out to this young couple that has suffered serious injuries in this motorcycle accident. I wish them both the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
San Diego DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 39 fatalities and 364 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Also, countywide, 98 people died and 948 were injured in DUI collisions, during the same year.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that Arnold, in addition to failing to yield right-of-way to the oncoming motorcycle, was also driving under the influence. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), vehicles making left turns or U-turns are required to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles and exercise due care before making the turn. Further, 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.”
Fault and Liability
In this particular case, if Arnold is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the victims’ legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to motorcycle accident victims and their families.