A suspected drunk driver in Contra Costa County caused five car accidents, injuring three people, the morning of August 1, 2010, officials said. According to a Bay City News report, the unlicensed driver, identified as 23-year-old Cainan Schierholtz “went on a rampage” in Danville, striking a bicyclist, pedestrian, truck, a light pole and a Lexus SUV — not stopping once. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and contusions; the pedestrian and two occupants of the SUV sought their own medical treatment for various injuries; and the driver of the Ford truck was uninjured. Schierholtz has been arrested on four counts of DUI causing bodily harm, three counts of hit-and-run causing personal injury, two counts of hit-and-run property damage and driving without a license.
Given the nature of these collisions, it is indeed fortunate that no one was catastrophically or fatally injured. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but six injuries involving DUI collisions in Danville. In Contra Costa County as a whole, 20 people died and 446 were injured in 2008 as a result of alcohol-related crashes.
Car Accident Laws
In this case, based on reports, not only did Schierholtz operate his vehicle under the influence, but also left the scenes of several accidents. Both, driving under the influence and hit-and-run are serious crimes under California law. 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 is a serious violation under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).
Victims’ Compensation Claims
If the driver, Schierholtz , is found guilty, he could be held criminally and civilly responsible for the accidents and injuries caused here. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured accident victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer can advise injured victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply in a hit-and-run case or in a situation where the at-fault driver may be uninsured or underinsured.
How can unlicensed drivers be kept off the road? We would like to hear your thoughts and opinions.
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.