Misty Duran, 20, sustained major injuries in a DUI collision the afternoon of July 18, 2010 in Willits. According to a report in The Willits News, Kayla Grace Chesser, 21, was driving a 2003 Honda Civic north on Highway 101 at a high rate of speed when she drifted off the road. California Highway Patrol officials say Chesser lost control of the car, crossed over four lanes of traffic and narrowly missed a vehicle before veering off the roadway.
The Civic then went down an embankment and rolled over coming to rest on its roof. Duran, who was the passenger, suffered several serious injuries including a broken neck and pelvis. She was transported to a regional hospital for treatment of those and other injuries. Chesser sustained minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving causing injury.
I hope Duran did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this crash. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
DUI Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were no fatalities and one injury related to DUI collisions in Willits. In Mendocino County, 16 people died and 83 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.
Drunk Driving Laws
It is illegal in California to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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.” A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
If Chesser is determined to have been under the influence here, then she could not only face criminal charges, but could also be held financially responsible for the serious injuries caused to Duran. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.
Victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise injured victims about how their auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Would you get in a car with a driver whom you know has been drinking? Do you think it’s a chance worth taking? For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD’s web site at www.madd.org.
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.