California Injury Blog
Three people sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident, which officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the crash occurred the afternoon of March 12, 2010 on the State Route 67 near the San Vicente Reservoir. Jason Cooley, the 22-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Impala, who was northbound on the highway, crossed over into opposing traffic lanes and struck a Toyota Yaris. Sean Harkey, the driver of the Yaris, suffered a broken arm and leg. Cooley and his infant son sustained injuries that were described as “not serious.” California Highway Patrol officials say Cooley was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
I wish Harkey, the most seriously injured victim in this crash, the very best for a quick and full recovery. Considering that an infant was involved in this head-on crash, it is indeed fortunate that there were no catastrophic injuries.
Alcohol-Related Crashes
There were 34 fatalities and 907 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole, drunk driving crashes claimed 104 lives and injured 2,033 people in 2008.
California DUI Laws
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.” It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Liability Issues
If officials determine that Cooley was at fault here, he could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to Harkey. In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury attorney, who has a stellar track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. Victims in such collisions can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related costs.
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.