Two drivers were seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, which authorities say, were caused by a suspected drunk driver the night of February 1, 2010. According to a 10news report, the major injury collision occurred when a U.S. Marine suspected of driving under the influence lost control of his Toyota pickup truck, crossed over the double yellow lines of a Pala highway and crashed into a minivan driven by a 46-year-old Oceanside woman. California Highway Patrol officials said both drivers were taken to a local hospital with major injuries. The 26-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine is facing felony drunk driving charges.
My heart goes out to the woman who was apparently critically injured possibly because the other driver decided to get behind the wheel drunk. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
DUI Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 39 deaths and 423 injuries were reported as a result of DUI car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Also, alcohol-related car crashes claimed 51 lives and injured 1,068 people countywide, during the same year.
California DUI Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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 same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle. In cases where a drunk driving accident results in death, the driver could also face vehicular manslaughter charges (California Penal Code section 191.5).
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
In these types of fatal car accidents, it would be in the best interests of the victim's family to seek the counsel of a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of holding negligent and drunk drivers accountable. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney should advise the family about how their own car insurance policy applies to an accident case that involves an uninsured or underinsured driver. The best California personal injury attorneys will offer a comprehensive initial consultation at no charge to injured victims and their families.
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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