Five people were injured in two separate car accidents in Winnetka, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the crashes were reported the night of March 19, 2017 at Hart Street and Oso Avenue and at Oso and Sherman Way. The suspected drunk driver first crashed into several vehicles at the intersection of Hart and Oso. The man then fled the scene and caused a second collision at Oso and Sherman.
Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate two people from a vehicle at the second crash. Three patients had to be transported by advanced life-support ambulances due to the violent nature of the crashes. Another patient sustained serious injuries one had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. It is not clear if the driver was arrested or charged. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this crash. We wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Los Angeles DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were 88 fatalities and 1,948 injuries reported in the city of Los Angeles as a result of DUI collisions. During the same year, countywide, 217 were killed and 4,251 were injured due to DUI crashes.
Violation of Laws
Based on this report, it appears that the driver violated a number of laws. He was reportedly driving at a dangerous rate of speed, was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and he left the scene of the first crash that injured people. He allegedly continued onward and caused another violent crash that severely injured more people. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
Justice for Victims
When drivers operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and cause injuries, they can be held financially responsible for the damages they cause in addition to facing criminal charges. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatment, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims and their families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers.