California Injury Blog
A woman experienced fatal injuries after the vehicle she was driving was struck by another driver who police said was under the influence and ran a red light. According to a report in the San Bernardino Sun, the incident occurred at the intersection of Tippecanoe Avenue and 3rd Street. Police say Rachel Hibbert, 36, was driving a white GMC Sierra and failed to stop for a red light at the intersection.
Her truck slammed into a gray Kia Soul, seriously injuring the driver. The victim was transported to a regional hospital where she died from her injuries. Officials found Hibbert to be intoxicated. She remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Officials have asked anyone with information about this crash to contact police at 909-425-9793, extension 203.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased car accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, which amounts to one person every 50 minutes. These deaths have fallen by a third in the last three decades. And yet, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year.
Driving under the influence of alcohol reduces the function of the brain impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. All of these abilities are crucial when it comes to operating a vehicle safely. As alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase as well.
It is also illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The same section states that it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Those who have high amounts of alcohol in their system also tend to commit other traffic violations such as running a red light or stop sign, making an unsafe lane change, failing to yield the right of way, etc.
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In these cases where negligence or wrongdoing may be involved, in addition to criminal charges, at-fault drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased victims in such cases may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced San Bernardino DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that families’ legal rights and best interests are protected.
Source: https://www.sbsun.com/2020/03/03/woman-killed-after-intoxicated-driver-runs-red-light-in-highland-police-say/