Linda Sgaraglino, 58, suffered major injuries in a Los Angeles County car accident reportedly caused by a suspected drunk driver the night of July 26, 2009. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, 26-year-old Abdula Kwara left a party and caused two hit-and-run car collisions in Simi Valley, California, whose victims followed him in their vehicles. But they both ended up losing sight of him when he fled. Minutes later, Kwara lost control of his car on the eastbound Highway 118 near Tapo Canyon Road, struck the center median and two other vehicles and careened down an embankment. Sgaraglino was an occupant in one of those vehicles that Kwara hit. She suffered major injuries, California Highway Patrol officials said.
Fleeing the Scene of a Car Crash
Kwara allegedly tried to run away from the scene of this California car accident, but CHP officers arrested him after a brief foot chase. Officials expect to charge Kwara with felony drunk driving and hit-and-run. Investigators say Kwara lost control of his car and caused the major injury crash because he was intoxicated at the time.
My heart goes out to the injured victim, in this case, Linda Sgaraglino. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County. Out of those car accidents, 268 deaths and 5,169 injuries were attributed to alcohol-related car accidents.
I trust Abdula Kwara will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Not only is it irresponsible to get behind the wheel drunk, it’s also illegal. In this case, Kwara faces serious felony criminal charges, as he should. He should also be held civilly responsible for the major injuries caused to Sgaraglino.
California Car Accident Laws
California law prohibits drivers from operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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.” It’s also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a): “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.”
Sgaraglino would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will help her secure fair compensation for her injuries, damages and loss. She will be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, lost wages and other damages relating to this car accident. If Kwara lacks car insurance or sufficient insurance to cover damages, a skilled California car accident lawyer will seek compensation for Sgaraglino through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of her car insurance policy or any other auto insurance policy that she has benefits under.