California Injury Blog
Two people were critically injured in a three-vehicle car accident in Riverside, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the injury car accident occurred on the Highway 60 at Valley Way in Rubidoux the night of February 11, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials said two of the vehicles involved in the accident were burned and two individuals sustained critical injuries. Officials attributed the accident to a “possible felony DUI.” Two people were taken to area trauma centers and five others were transported to local hospitals with unspecified injuries.
My heart goes out to everyone in this car accident who has been injured. I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 52 people died and 426 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 101 deaths and 1,090 injuries were reported involving alcohol-related car accidents in 2008.
Drunk Driving Laws
It is a serious crime under California law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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.” Under the same section, it is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
Victims’ Claim for Compensation
In such cases, the at-fault motorist or drunk driver in addition to facing criminal prosecution, can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and even the cost of continued care and treatment in case of catastrophic injuries.
Victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers on behalf of injured victims. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to better advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured car accident victims and their families. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
Seriously injured in a Riverside County 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 Riverside DUI car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Riverside 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.