A woman walking across a street was injured in a suspected DUI collision in Irvine the night of August 7, 2010, The Orange County Register reports. Irvine police have arrested 25-year-old Collin Weiner of Huntington Beach on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with this pedestrian collision. The woman was crossing near the intersection of Barranca Parkway and Creek Road when she was hit. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital.
I hope this victim has not sustained any catastrophic injuries. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery from the injuries she suffered in this accident.
DUI Statistics
One fatality and 68 injuries were reported involving DUI collisions in Irvine in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of car accidents involving alcohol or drugs in 2008.
Drunk Driving Laws in California
It is illegal to drive in California with a blood alcohol content level of .08 percent or higher. 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." If a driver's act of driving under the influence results in the death of another, he or she will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly where the woman was crossing at the time of the collision. However, if the driver is found guilty of operating his car under the influence, then, he could be held criminally and civilly liable in this case. Victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Irvine personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the victims' rights are protected.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their auto insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?
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.
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