Several people were injured in a San Francisco car accident after a suspected drunk driver struck a bicyclist and two cars in the downtown area the night of June 9, 2010, Bay City News reports. Police say the driver, 35-year-old Jermaine Standfield, drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Grove and Hyde streets and struck a bicyclist. He then broadsided a black Hyundai with four occupants at Eighth and Market streets. He did not stop, however, and continued driving his green Toyota Camry, before crashing into a Toyota Prius at Natoma and Seventh streets. Standfield subsequently left the Camry and fled the scene on foot, but was arrested shortly.
Several People Injured
A 26-year-old woman in the Prius was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The 42-year-old bicyclist and the occupants of the Hyundai sustained minor injuries. Standfield was arrested on suspicion of three counts of felony hit-and-run, two counts of felony DUI and one count of possession of marijuana. An investigation is ongoing.
Given the nature of this accident, it is extremely fortunate that no one sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash. I sincerely wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics and Laws
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 309 injuries due to DUI collisions in San Francisco. Also, during that same year, 35 deaths and 3,577 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in the city.
Driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and running stop signs and red lights are all serious crimes 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."
Motorists are required under California law to stop after an accident and remain at the scene until officials arrive, and also exchange information with the other parties involved. 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."
Claim for Compensation
Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that their rights are protected and that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
What new laws do we need in California to make sure repeat DUI offenders don't get back behind the wheel?
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.
SLS Consulting