Robert Valle, 22, sustained major injuries in a San Bernardino car accident after the vehicle in which he was a passenger was struck by a suspected drunk driver, the Victorville Daily Press reports. The injury collision occurred early morning on August 16, 2010 at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Nielson roads in Wrightwood. A Pontiac Grand Am, driven by 23-year-old Kala White made a left turn in front of a Chevy Tahoe that was traveling north on Sheep Creek. The driver of the Tahoe, 46-year-old Carmen Melendrez, another adult passenger and two children also sustained minor injuries. White fled the scene of the crash. She was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.
I hope Robert Valle did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this crash. I wish Valle and the other injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. Incidents such as this make me very angry. Leaving the scene of a crime after injuring someone is irresponsible. If you have any information regarding this crash or any other hit and run accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 263 people were killed and 8,504 people were injured in San Bernardino County car accidents. Also, CHP reported 247 deaths in California hit-and-run accidents during the same year.
Car Accident Laws
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to leave the scene of a crash. Motorists involved in an injury accident are required to stop immediately and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."
Protecting Victims' Rights
Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Should first-time DUI offenders be required under the law to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle?
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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