A 12-year-old boy sustained major injuries in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred the evening of January 10, 2010, when the child was skateboarding along the shoulder of the road near Lime and E streets in Hesperia. A truck driven by 49-year-old Todd Dean Thomas then hit him.
The boy suffered severe head injuries and had a compound fracture of one of his legs. He was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Officials conducted a DUI investigation at the location of the crash and determined that Thomas was under the influence. He has been arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving.
I sympathize with the family of this boy who must be going through a very difficult time. I hope and pray that the boy recovers completely from the head injuries and does not suffer any long-term consequences. This young victim and his family will certainly be in my prayers.
DUI Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 33 injuries involving alcohol-related traffic accidents in Hesperia, California. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 105 deaths and 1,174 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of DUI car accidents. Also, countywide, 50 people died and 432 were injured during the same year due to pedestrian accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime in California. 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.”
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
The family of this child would be well-advised to retain the services of a San Bernardino car accident lawyer, who has the experience and a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. If Thomas did not have insurance or sufficient insurance coverage, a knowledgeable injury lawyer should advise the victim’s family about how a claim for compensation could be made through their own car insurance policy. If a dangerous condition on the roadway contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency could be held liable as well. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.
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.