The San Diego car accident lawyers at BISNAR | CHASE are extremely concerned about the recent spike in drunk driving accidents in the San Diego area involving teen drivers. Caleb Parfet, 18, is facing felony DUI charges after a car accident that has sent four of his friends to the hospital with serious injuries. According to a 10news report, the accident occurred on the Highway 94 near Lyons Valley Road. California Highway Patrol officials apparently found opened beer bottles in the Infiniti's wreckage. All the teens were wearing seatbelts, which is probably what saved their lives.
DUI Car Crashes in San Diego County
It is disturbing to learn that this is the sixth such incident in San Diego County during the last few months. CHP's 2007 traffic accidents statistics shows there were 116 fatalities and 2,068 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in San Diego County.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the four teens who were seriously injured in the accident. Parfet, the driver of the car, was apparently the least injured in the crash. I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I'm relieved that there were no fatal injuries. These lucky teens must have indeed learned an important lesson. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
California's DUI Laws
This incident is an important reminder for us to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is especially important to remember during the holiday season when parties and social occasions increase the probability of someone deciding to get behind the wheel while under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in California. 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."
A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."
If you or a loved one has been serious injured because of a drunk driver, please consult with a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has successfully pursued drunk and negligent drivers on behalf of injured victims. Please remember that it is never worth it to drink and drive. If you do not injure or kill someone else, you are very likely to put yourself or your passengers in harm's way. As adults, we constantly set an example to our youth who watch what we do and learn from us. Please drive safely and have a happy holiday season!
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm 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.
SLS Consulting