Vickie Chen and Elaine Shin Ly, both 19, sustained critical injuries in a San Bernardino car accident the morning of October 10, 2009 after they were struck by a suspected drunk driver on the 10 Freeway while changing a flat tire. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Chen and Ly were standing in front of their Toyota Camry along the westbound 10 lanes near the Richardson Street overpass in Loma Linda when they were hit.
California Highway Patrol officials said the driver, 23-year-old Daniel Miersma, veered off the freeway and crashed into the Camry at 70 mph. Chen suffered head injuries and a broken left leg while Ly suffered a compound fracture to her right leg and several contusions. Miersma was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence causing injury. Anyone who saw this car crash is asked to call CHP at 909-383-4247.
My heart goes out to these two young women who have apparently suffered major injuries because of someone else’s negligence. I hope and pray that both Chen and Ly have a quick and complete recovery. These injured victims and their families will certainly be in my prayers.
San Bernardino DUI Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 308 deaths and 9,920 injuries involving California car accidents in San Bernardino County. Out of those, 105 fatalities and 1,174 injuries were caused in that same year as a result of alcohol-related car accidents. Also, in 2007, 89 injuries were reported in Loma Linda as a result of car accidents.
I hope Miersma is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if he is found responsible for this accident. Driving under the influence is a crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “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.” The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.
Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
The two injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California car accident lawyer who has experience financially pursuing drunk drivers on behalf of victims and their families. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy will apply to uninsured or underinsured drivers.
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.