A 56-year-old man has suffered life-threatening injuries in a Laguna Niguel pedestrian accident after he was hit by one of two cars that collided at a street intersection. The accident also involved a suspected drunk driver, officials said. The Orange County Register reports that the incident occurred the evening of January 25, 2017 when the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Alicia Parkway and Niguel road.
Police say two vehicles, a Mercedes and a BMW, collided at the intersection. One of the vehicles (it is not clear which one) struck the man. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The driver of the BMW, 34-year-old Jamie Mulford, was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony DUI resulting in injuries. Officials are still investigating the incident.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured victim of this pedestrian accident. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
OC Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and seven were injured in Laguna Niguel pedestrian accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 52 people died and 784 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also countywide, there were 60 deaths and 1,235 injuries reported as a result of alcohol- and drug-related crashes during the same year.
Causes and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers may have been under the influence at the time of the collision. 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.” It is also illegal for drivers in California to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
We trust officials are looking into other factors in this crash as well. Did one of the motorists fail to yield the right of way at the intersection? Was speed, reckless driving or some other type of negligence involved in this crash? In such cases, the at-fault driver, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused to victims.
Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and emotional distress. They would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.