California Injury Blog
A 5-year-old boy was seriously injured in a car accident in Woodland, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a KCRA news report, the child was hit in the 700 block of East Street as he was walking the evening of October 2, 2010. The boy, who was semi-conscious when officials arrived, has been transported to a Sacramento hospital. The driver of the vehicle, 20-year-old Francisco Pinon-Martinez, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving without a license. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to this little boy who has apparently sustained major injuries in this pedestrian accident. I hope he has not sustained catastrophic injuries. Please keep this boy in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one death and 17 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Woodland. In Yolo County as a whole, four people were killed and 38 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
DUI Law
Based on this news report, it appears that Pinon-Martinez was not only under the influence, but was also driving without a valid license at the time. It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. 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.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, at-fault drivers can not only face felony criminal charges, but also be held civilly liable for the injuries caused to the victims. Victims of drunk driving can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.
An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise victims’ families about how their car insurance policy applies to an accident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a confidential consultation and comprehensive case evaluation at no charge to injured victims and their families. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.
Seriously injured in a California DUI car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Sacramento car accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Sacramento personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
In your opinion, should all DUI offenders be required under the law to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles?
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.