California Injury Blog
The driver of a pickup, which swerved out of the Express Lanes of the eastbound 91 Freeway and caused a car accident involving at least three other cars, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to an article in The Orange County Register, the car crash occurred the afternoon of July 1, 2009 near Gypsum Canyon Road in Yorba Linda. At least one person was taken to the hospital after the car collision. The pickup being driven by the suspected drunk driver was apparently carrying a load of nails. As the truck rolled over, the nails spilled all over the freeway, California Highway Patrol officials said. No other car accidents were caused by the spilled debris.
My heart goes out to the injured victims in this case who were hurt because of this suspected drunk driver’s negligence and recklessness. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, 178 deaths and 14,185 injuries were reported in Orange County as a result of car crashes. During the same year in Orange County, 75 fatalities and 1,501 injuries involved alcohol-related car crashes.
It is illegal in the state of California to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 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.” California Vehicle Code section 22107 states: “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”
The driver of the pickup truck in this case should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the injuries caused to the victims. If he was on-the-job at the time of the car crash, his employer could also be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. It is fortunate that no other accidents were caused as a result of the debris (nails) that were spilled onto the roadway. If that had occurred, the pickup driver (and possibly his employer) could have been held liable for those injuries as well. The injured victims in this case would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of pursuing drunk drivers and holding them accountable for their negligence.