California Injury Blog
Four people were injured in a Bakersfield car collision that was caused by a driver who police say was under the influence of drugs. According to an article in the Bakersfield Californian, Brandon Cortez,27, Alejandro Marin, 22, Tommy Dowell, 56 and Moon Cortez, 26, were injured in the five-car crash. Others – German Rosas, 40, Ignacio Marin, 68, Angel Garza, 21, and Sergio Marin, 47, escaped without injuries in the April 11, 2009 rear-end car accident. Brandon Cortez was later arrested on suspicion of a felony charge of causing personal injuries while driving under the influence of drugs. He also faces a separate charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
The crash occurred when Cortez, who was driving a Honda Accord at 70 mph east on Niles Street, rear-ended a car stopped at a red light at Descanso Street. The collision caused a chain reaction crash. The newspaper found online court records, which indicate that Brandon Cortez had several recent brushes with the law including prior jail time for assault, drug possession and a DUI.
I’m relieved to hear, based on this newspaper report, that no one suffered major injuries in what could have been a real tragedy. I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were eight fatalities and 141 injuries involving car crashes in Bakersfield that were related to someone driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In Kern County there were 42 deaths 507 injuries reported in 2007 involving DUI car accidents.
California law prohibits motorists from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – whether they are recreational or prescription. 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.”
I hope the driver, Brandon Cortez, is held civilly and criminally responsible for the damage and injuries he has caused in this personal injury accident. If Cortez lacks insurance or does not have sufficient auto insurance, the injured victims may be compensated through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance or any other auto insurance they have benefits under. Many are not aware that in California, if you have auto insurance, everyone in the household is covered under it – whether they are specifically named or not. If you are not clear on whether or not you are covered, please contact an experienced California personal injury attorney. The best car accident attorneys always provide a free initial consultation.