A woman was critically injured in a Glendale car-bicycle accident the afternoon of May 2, 2009 after she was hit by a driver suspected to have been driving under the influence of a controlled substance, the Glendale News Press reports. The bicycle accident occurred when Herbert Davis, who was driving his sport utility vehicle westbound on West Los Feliz Road veered off, jumped a curb and struck the bicyclist. The woman suffered broken bones and serious personal injuries, but is expected to survive, Glendale police officials say. Davis apparently struck a telephone pole, sideswiped another vehicle and barreled through five newspaper stands before coming to a stop.
Investigators are still trying to figure out when and where Davis struck the cyclist and also whether she was riding the bike, walking or standing next to it at the time of the car collision. Police have arrested Davis on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance and took him to the hospital for evaluation.
My heart goes out to the woman who was injured in this horrific DUI car accident. At this point it seems as if this could have been a bicycle accident or a pedestrian accident depending on the victim's actions at the time. I trust that the driver, Davis, who officials say was under the influence of a controlled substance, will be held civilly and criminally responsible for causing this bike-car accident and resulting personal injuries.
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were two alcohol-involved fatal car accidents and 60 car accidents involving alcohol or drugs in Glendale.
California law prohibits drivers from operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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."
The family of this injured bicyclist would be well-advised to consult with a California personal injury lawyer who will pursue the negligent party here and obtain fair compensation for her injuries and loss. Reputed California car accident lawyers who have experience pursuing DUI cases will be able to help this bicycle collision victim. The best California personal injury lawyers will offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation.
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