Four people identified as Maria Arzate, 39; Shannon Troy, 20; Jose Vaca, 48; and Rebecca Long, 26, were injured in a San Bernardino car accident in which alcohol may be a factor. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, Vaca was driving north on Highway 395 near Bear Valley Road early morning on May 23, 2010, when he entered opposing traffic lanes and struck a 2008 Toyota Camry head-on.
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The Camry went off the roadway due to the impact of the collision. A passerby pulled over to help the injured. But that person was struck by a 2002 Oldsmobile SUV driven by Long. The SUV then struck a power pole. All victims are believed to have sustained moderate to major injuries. San Bernardino Sheriff’s officials are looking into what caused these accidents, and if alcohol was involved.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims here. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate no one was fatally injured in these crashes.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 16 fatalities and 266 injuries were reported due to car accidents in Victorville. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Alcohol-Related Crashes
Based on this news report, it is not clear which one of the drivers is being investigated for DUI. Driving under the influence or alcohol and/or drugs 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.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims or their families to seek the counsel of a reputed San Bernardino car accident lawyer, who has had a successful track record financially pursuing drunk drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to explain to victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.
What steps do you take to avoid drunk drivers on the roadway? Please share your tips and suggestions with us.
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.