A 65-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver the night of July 17, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, officers found the man lying on Alvarado Road near Alvarado Court. The motorist, a 57-year-old woman, had initially left the scene, but returned later and told officials that she thought she had “hit something.” Police determined that she struck the man, who sustained head injuries and a broken leg as a result of the collision. Authorities also determined that the accident was alcohol-related. The woman was arrested. An investigation is ongoing.
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My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through at this time. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 34 fatalities and 907 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, 104 fatalities and 1,033 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.
Accident Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that this driver may have been under the influence and left the scene of the accident — both of which are serious violations of California law. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher 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.” Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is also a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).
Fault and Liability
In such cases, drivers who violate the law will face criminal charges. At the same time, they can also be held financially responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries and damages. The injured victim in this case can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD’s website at www.madd.org.
In your opinion, should California start requiring Ignition Interlock Devices for first-time DUI offenders?
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.