A 23-year-old man was seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after officials say he was struck by a drunk driver. According to a City News Service report, the pedestrian accident occurred on Pacific Coast Highway, near the Aliso Beach entrance, in Laguna Beach, the night of July 4, 2011. The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area trauma center for treatment. Police arrested the driver, 31-year-old Michael David of Los Angeles, on suspicion of felony drunk driving. David was previously convicted of DUI in 2005.
My thoughts and prayers are with the pedestrian who has been seriously injured in this DUI collision. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 19 injuries reported due to Laguna Beach pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 31 fatalities and 785 injuries reported as a result of Orange County pedestrian accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver, David, was under the influence of alcohol at the time. 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.” The same section also states that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
Liability Issues
Injured victims of drunk drivers may pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Injured victims can seek compensation for injuries and damages including all medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, and physical therapy.
Car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
Seriously injured in an Orange County DUI car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Laguna Beach pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Orange County personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.