California Injury Blog
A 44-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident involving a teenage driver, who officials say, may have been under the influence of alcohol. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal DUI collision occurred on the southbound 110 Freeway, near Vernon Avenue, on September 4, 2011. The victim was with two other men on the shoulder of the freeway trying to repair a stalled Chevrolet Monte Carlo, when the 18-year-old driver of a Smart car crashed into the Chevrolet, forcing it into the three men.
The Chevy then flipped and caught fire, before trapping one of the pedestrians beneath it. The 44-year-old victim was killed in the crash, while a 47-year-old man sustained major injuries including third-degree burns and a broken pelvis. A19-year-old man sustained injuries as well. The 18-year-old driver suffered only minor injuries. He has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and second-degree murder.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the man killed in this tragic Los Angeles car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this DUI collision. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Los Angeles DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 2,218 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes in Los Angeles. During that same year, 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries occurred involving Los Angeles County DUI collisions.
California Drunk Driving Laws
Based on this news report, the teen driver was not only under the influence, but also struck the men who were on the shoulder of the freeway. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol under California law. It is also against California law for anyone to drive 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.”
Victims’ Claim for Compensation
The young driver here now faces a second-degree murder charge, in addition to felony DUI charges. At-fault drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other damages. Families of deceased DUI accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship.
An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
| Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles | ||||
Do you think that convicted drunk drivers should have to use ignition interlock devices (breathalizers installed in their vehicle) before they start their cars after their first offense?
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