David Matthews, 38, was critically injured in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver on the morning of March 8, 2010. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, 19-year-old Ryan Inglesby ran a stop sign on Highway 62 while driving a 2005 Chevy pickup truck north on Sunset Road, in Joshua Tree. He then, broadsided a 1999 Dodge Caravan that went out of control and crashed through a fence. Matthews, the driver of the Dodge, was transported to a regional hospital in critical condition. Both Inglesby and his passenger, 22-year-old Cody Hommel, sustained minor injuries. Inglesby was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.
My heart goes out to David Matthews who has sustained critical injuries in this car crash. I hope and pray that he makes it through these injuries and wish him the very best for a quick recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Crashes
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 24 fatalities and 283 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Bernardino County's unincorporated areas. Also, in the entire county, alcohol-related car crashes killed 94 and injured 1,042 people during the same year.
California Laws
Based on this news report, Inglesby not only ran a stop sign but was also under the influence at the time of this major injury car crash. 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."
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing may have been involved, victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will make sure their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the Matthews family about how their car insurance policy will apply to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation 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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