San Diego County DUI Pedestrian Accident Injuries Boy
A 7-year-old boy suffered a broken leg in a pedestrian versus car accident after a suspected San Diego drunk driver struck him the evening of April 4, 2009, 10news reports. Phillip Jones, 48, was driving west in the 2900 block of Imperial Avenue when the boy, who was chasing a basketball, ran out into the street in front of his car, San Diego police officials said. Jones was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence.
I’m glad that the boy did not suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries as a result of this terrible San Diego DUI accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 25 fatalities and 575 injuries relating to pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Also during the same year in San Diego County, there were 116 fatal traffic accidents and 2,068 injury traffic accidents that were alcohol-related.
It is illegal in California to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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.”
In this San Diego pedestrian accident, although the boy ran over to the roadway suddenly chasing his basketball, Jones may have been able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid the collision had he not been under the influence of alcohol. Drugs or alcohol not only impair your judgment when you are operating a motor vehicle, but also dims your reflexes and prevents you from acting quickly in such situations.
The family of the young boy would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer who has an excellent track record of handling personal injury accidents and DUI accident cases. The victim here would be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, any long-term problems caused by this accident and other related costs. A skilled personal injury lawyer will also be able to look into other factors such as a dangerous roadway that may have contributed to this accident. If Jones lacks auto insurance coverage or sufficient coverage, then the boy may be compensated through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of his parents’ auto insurance policy. In such cases, it is important to consult with an auto accident lawyer who is well-versed with uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage issues.