An Orange County car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver left a 12-year-old girl injured the evening of January 7, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the injury pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Clinton Street and Cardinal Way when the girl who was walking across the street was struck by a vehicle driven by 47-year-old Alvaro Hernandez. The girl suffered a broken toe and cuts to her arms. Police officers who responded to the scene conducted field sobriety tests and determined that Alvaro was under the influence. He was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
It is indeed fortunate that this young girl did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this case. I hope and pray that she recovers completely from her injuries.
Alcohol-related Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were two fatalities and 93 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County, 75 fatalities and 1,503 injuries were reported as a result of DUI car accidents during the same year. Also, countywide, 41 people died and 726 were injured in pedestrian accidents in 2007.
DUI Laws and Liability Issues
It is illegal in California to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle. If Hernandez is determined to have been driving under the influence, he should be held criminally and civilly liable. In such cases, victims can file a personal injury claim seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages (where applicable), cost of physical therapy and other related expenses.
An experienced Orange County personal injury attorney will be able to guide victims and their families through what can be a complex legal process. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
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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