A pedestrian was critically injured after a two-car crash at a street intersection in Riverside.
According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the major injury crash occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 28. Riverside police said the crash occurred at around noon when a collision at an intersection caused one vehicle to veer into a man walking on the sidewalk.
DUI Suspected
The crash happened when a gray Chevrolet Colorado driven by a 47-year-old Riverside resident was headed south on Van Buren Boulevard towards Challen Avenue. At the same time, a white Toyota Corolla driven by a 20-year-old driver was making a left turn onto Challen from northbound Van Buren Boulevard on a green arrow signal, officials said. The Chevrolet pulled into the intersection against a red light and crashed into the Toyota, police said. The Chevrolet then left the intersection and struck the victim on the sidewalk.
Officials said the pedestrian suffered major injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Neither driver was injured. However, both drivers were determined to have been driving under the influence and were taken into custody. Anyone with information is asked to contact Riverside police at 951-826-8724.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Violations of the Law
Based on this news report, it appears that not only were both drivers under the influence, but one of them ran a red light at the intersection, triggering this horrific crash. According to California Vehicle Code 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is also against the law to run a red light. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
In such cases, the at-fault driver, in addition to facing criminal penalties, can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced Riverside DUI victims’ lawyer will help injured victims secure the maximum compensation possible and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Source: https://www.pe.com/2021/09/28/2-dui-suspects-arrested-in-riverside-after-crash-leaves-pedestrian-in-critical-condition/