California Injury Blog
A runner suffered serious injuries in a Pasadena car crash, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver.
According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal crash occurred the morning of January 1, 2016 near Colorado and Sierra Madre boulevards, which is along the Rose Parade route.
Police say 40-year-old Yuki Horne struck the female jogger and then kept driving.
The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was knocked
unconscious.
Police originally said the woman was in serious condition, but she was later listed in stable condition.
She is expected to survive. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this DUI collision. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
DUI Statistics
There were four fatalities and 53 injuries reported as a result of DUI crashes in Pasadena, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 217 fatalities and 4,251 injuries were reported due to alcohol-related collisions during the same year.
California DUI Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver was intoxicated when she struck and severely injured the jogger. It is illegal 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.”
The same section also states that it is illegal for a driver to operate with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
Justice for Victims
In such cases, in addition to criminal penalties, drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
DUI victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who has a track record of success in financially pursuing DUI drivers. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.