California Injury Blog
Authorities in Santa Maria have identified a man who was seriously injured in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, the night of February 21, 2010, as 26-year-old Santos Quiros. According to a news report in the Santa Maria Times, 36-year-old Raymundo Reyes was driving north on Blosser Road when he struck Quiros who was walking eastbound on the roadway, near Donovan Road. Quiros sustained a fractured pelvis, multiple cuts and scrapes and was taken to a local hospital. Reyes was uninjured and later arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury.
I sympathize with Quiros and his family. I wish Quiros the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his serious injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.
Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 43 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Maria. Also, in 2008, four deaths and 62 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Santa Maria.
Drunk Driving Laws
Not only is it poor judgment to drink and drive, but it is also against California law, which states that no one shall operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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.”
Liability Issues
In DUI collision cases, victims can seek compensation for their injuries from the at-fault party. If Reyes is found guilty of DUI, he could and should be held criminally and civilly liable for Quiros’ injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other therapy that might be needed.
Victims who have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will carefully analyze all aspects of the case and make sure they are fairly compensated for their injuries, damages and loss. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.
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.