California Injury Blog
One man was killed and several people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident the night of July 13, 2010, which may have been caused by a suspected drunk driver, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. Los Angeles Sheriff’s officials say that the fatal crash occurred near an overpass between Stimson and Central avenues in La Puente, when a speeding driver going east on Valley Boulevard lost control and struck a vehicle carrying four people. That vehicle collided with two other vehicles.
The driver of the speeding vehicle and his passenger were injured and transported to an area hospital. The male driver of the vehicle that was first struck by the speeding car died on impact. A woman and two children in that vehicle were taken to a hospital with serious to moderate injuries. No one in the other two vehicles was hurt. Officials found open containers of alcohol in and around the suspect’s vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased car accident victim. I pray especially for his family members. I wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 101 injuries involving car accidents in La Puente. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
DUI Law
Based on this news report, the driver who appears to have caused this tragic crash may have been under the influence and speeding at the time. Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. 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.” California Vehicle Code Section 22350 also prohibits drivers from traveling at a speed that is over the speed limit or that puts the public in danger.
Claim for compensation
If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then he could not only face serious criminal charges, but also be held civilly liable for wrongful death and the personal injuries caused. The family of the deceased victim and the injured victims would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights and ensure that they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD’s website at www.madd.org.
What are some tips you would offer motorists to watch out for erratic drivers on the roadway? How can we be more proactive about preventing tragic collisions?
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.