California Injury Blog
A police officer who was putting an arrestee into his car was injured in a San Diego car accident that officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver the morning of August 27, 2009 in Chula Vista, California. According to a news report in the San Diego Union Tribune, the officer was stopped on Fourth Avenue near D Street when a car heading south drifted toward the patrol car. The driver ran over the officer’s left foot and the car’s right side mirror struck the officer in the back. He was taken to a hospital with injuries. The 41-year-old driver, who fled the scene, was located a short distance away and arrested. Officials said they easily spotted the hit-and-run driver because the broken mirror was still hanging on the side of the vehicle. The driver will face felony hit-and-run as well as driving under the influence charges.
I’m relieved that the police officer was not seriously injured in this California car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.
San Diego Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two fatalities and 108 injuries were reported in Chula Vista as a result of alcohol-related car accidents. In San Diego County as a whole, there were 116 deaths and 2,068 injuries in 2007 from alcohol-involved car accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs a serious offense. 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.” The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle. Leaving the scene of an injury accident will also result in serious criminal charges. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
California Car Accident Lawyer
Victims who are injured by drunk or negligent drivers would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has a winning track record of financially pursuing DUI drivers and holding them accountable. In cases where such an accident results in death, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.