Four firefighters and a suspected drunk driver were injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of June 13, 2010. According to a San Diego 6 news report, the injury collision occurred on a two-lane road northeast of Alpine near the Viejas Casino. California Highway Patrol officials say 25-year-old Yesenia Mitre got out of the casino parking lot and pulled out in front of the fire truck that was responding to a medical aid call. The impact of the collision caused the fire rig to lose its front axle. The fire truck continued out of control and slammed into a utility pole. Four firefighters sustained non life-threatening injuries. Mitre was injured, but is expected to be arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving.
I’m glad to note that the firefighters did not sustain major injuries in this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 33 fatalities and 408 injuries involving DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Also, countywide, 104 people died and 1,033 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.
Drunk Driving Law
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “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.”
Claim for Compensation
In this particular case, the firefighters were on-the-job and attending to an emergency call. So the injured firefighters will be entitled to receive workers compensation benefits. However, they can also claim compensation from the driver, Mitre, if the driver is determined to have been at fault. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earning, cost of hospitalization and even physical therapy.
It would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully held negligent and drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
Have you been involved in a car crash that was the fault of a DUI driver?
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.