California Injury Blog
A Fresno car accident involving a suspected drunk driver fatally injured a 76-year-old man the afternoon of January 24, 2010. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, the fatal car accident occurred when 23-year-old Michael Freeman who was traveling west on McKinley Avenue, struck a Nissan Frontier that was going south on the Highway 145. The Nissan’s driver was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Freeman was also injured. Authorities arrested Freeman on suspicion of drunk driving. A 22-year-old passenger in Freeman’s car also sustained major injuries.
My heart goes out to this victim’s family for their sudden and devastating loss. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Alcohol-related accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, alcohol-related car accidents killed 13 people and injured 207 in Fresno. Countywide, DUI car accidents killed 141 people and injured 3,783 in 2007.
It is illegal in the state of California to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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.” If the act of driving under the influence results in the death of another, the drunk driver could also face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
In such cases, victims would be well-advised to get in touch with an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record in holding drunk and negligent drivers accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer should also advise the family about how their own car insurance policy applies to an accident case where the at-fault driver lacks insurance or sufficient liability insurance coverage.
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.