A 26-year-old skateboarder sustained serious injuries in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver the morning of March 28, 2010.The Orange County Register reports that the man was skateboarding on Moulton Parkway near Aliso Creek Road, in Laguna Niguel, when he was struck by a 2003 Suzuki driven by 22-year-old Andrew Colleta. The skateboarder suffered a broken leg, cuts and scratches. Colleta was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving. Orange County court records indicate that Colleta received speeding tickets in previous years including, one for "driving across, over or upon divided highways."
I hope the victim did not sustain any major injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
DUI Collisions
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 14 injuries involving DUI collisions in Laguna Niguel. In Orange County as a whole, 62 deaths and 1,492 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.
Fault and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly where the skateboarder was riding at the time of the collision. California law states that skateboarders have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. In this case, the driver, Colleta, had a history of reckless driving. If he is found to have been at fault in this case, he can be held criminally and civilly liable. If a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused or contributed to this collision, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an accident that involved 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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