California Personal Injury Attorneys » DUI

DUI Charges Filed in Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident

Joyce — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:28:52 +0000

Steven Roger Carlson, 47, was identified as the driver who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his vehicle was struck by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, officials also arrested 25-year-old Omar Vivar on suspicion of DUI causing death and bodily injury after the July 13, 2010 crash. Vivar was driving at a high rate of speed and crashed hard into the car carrying Carlson, his wife, 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. The accident occurred on the Valley Boulevard overpass at Stimpson Street in La Puente.

Tragic Loss

Carlson died at the scene. His 8-year-old daughter suffered compound fractures to her hip, left leg and left arm as well as cuts to her face that will require plastic surgery. Carlson's wife suffered internal injuries and a bruised lung. The boy escaped with minor injuries, which officials say, is because he was placed in a car seat.

What a tragedy for this family! Not only have they lost a loved one, but two other members of the family are dealing with serious injuries. My heart goes out to the Carlson family. I wish his wife and daughter the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries caused by this DUI collision. This family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Criminal Charges

If Vivar is found guilty of driving under the influence and driving recklessly, I trust he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a).

A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Civil Liability

In addition to being held criminally liable, the at-fault driver in such cases can also be held financially responsible for the wrongful death and injuries causes. Family members can file a wrongful death claims seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings and loss of love and companionship. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries and rehabilitation. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What steps can California law makers take to curb the problem of drunk driving? How can we combat the problem of repeat DUI offenders getting 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.

DUI Charges Filed in Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Los Angeles DUI Collision Injures Two

Toni — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:21:53 +0000

Two people, including a suspected drunk driver, were seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident early morning on July 3, 2010, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The injury crash occurred near the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Palomares Street in Pomona. Police, moments earlier, had stopped Raul Gonzalez, who was driving a 1994 Chevy S-10 pickup truck, because he appeared to have been driving intoxicated. However, Gonzalez sped off even as the officer was preparing to administer a DUI test. Gonzalez drove for about a few blocks before crashing into three parked cars. Both, he and his 42-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to an area hospital.

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I sympathize with the injured passenger. I hope she has not suffered catastrophic injuries. This incident is yet another reminder of how dangerous getting in a car with an intoxicated driver can be. I pray that this victim recovers quickly and completely from her injuries.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 89 injuries involving DUI collisions in Pomona. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashed during the same year.

Drunk Driving Law

Based on this news report, it appears that Gonzalez may have been under the influence at the time of the crash. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher under California law. 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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Drunk drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause to victims. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation costs.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the drunk driver or at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.
Have you ever gotten into a vehicle with a drunk driver? What are some tips you would offer passengers to avoid getting into DUI collisions?

Los Angeles DUI Collision Injures Two is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

San Francisco DUI Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Injuries

Joyce — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:14:25 +0000

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?

San Francisco DUI Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian Injured in Huntington Beach DUI Hit-and-Run Collision

Toni — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:16:19 +0000

A 21-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured in a Huntington Beach car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking in a marked crosswalk, the afternoon of June 6, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the victim was in a crosswalk at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia Avenue, when a Ford Taurus driven by 59-year-old Richard Elwood Swanson struck him. Police say Swanson left the scene after the collision. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non life-threatening injuries. Police stopped Swanson as he was driving home to Newport Beach. He was arrested and charged with felony DUI with injury and felony hit-and-run.

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My heart goes out to this injured victim. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this individual in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 122 injuries involving DUI collisions in Huntington Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 62 deaths and 1,492 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2008.

California Car Accident Laws and Liability Issues

Under California law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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."

Leaving the scene of the accident or hit-and-run is also a serious crime. 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."

In this particular case, if the details of the news report are accurate, the driver also struck a pedestrian who was in a crosswalk. California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. The injured victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable in this case.

What precautions or proactive steps can pedestrians in crosswalks take to avoid such collisions?

Pedestrian Injured in Huntington Beach DUI Hit-and-Run Collision is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Fatal San Francisco Area DUI Car Accident

Joyce — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:47:56 +0000

Two men were killed in San Francisco car accident after the driver of their vehicle lost control and crashed on a Gilroy street. According to a news report in the San Jose Mercury News, the fatal accident occurred early morning on May 27, 2010 when a vehicle traveling east on Sixth Street near Monterey Street crashed and rolled over. Two men died at the scene. The driver, identified as David Torres, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of the accident. Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to call 408-846-0300 or if wishing to remain anonymous, call the We Tip line at 1-800-782-7463.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of these two deceased victims. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 21 injuries reported in Gilroy as a result of DUI collisions. In Santa Clara County as a whole, alcohol-related crashes claimed 37 lives and caused 705 injuries during the same year.

DUI Laws in California

Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal 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."

A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Torres does in this case. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Wrongful Death

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, victims' families can file wrongful death claims against the at-fault party seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What changes to the law would you like to see made to help curb drunk driving?

Fatal San Francisco Area DUI Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

DUI Collision in Modesto Causes Major Injuries

Toni — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:46:25 +0000

Claudia Gutierrez, 34, sustained major injuries in a Modesto car accident after the man who was driving the SUV they were in, lost control and crashed, The Merced Sun-Star reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the major injury crash occurred early morning on May 23, 2010. The driver of the vehicle, Willie Blacks Jr., 40, was driving a 2000 Ford Expedition in the southbound fast lane of Highway 99, near Golden State Boulevard, when the SUV drifted to the left of the roadway.

Blacks lost control, turned right and attempted to reenter the southbound lanes. The Ford SUV then veered across both southbound lanes onto the west shoulder, went off the roadway, crashed into a tree and rolled over. Gutierrez was transported to a Modesto hospital with major injuries. Blacks sustained minor injuries in the crash. He was booked on suspicion of felony DUI.

I hope Gutierrez has not suffered any catastrophic injuries in this accident. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there was one fatality and 111 injuries involving DUI collisions in Modesto. In Stanislaus County as a whole, 17 deaths and 291 injuries were reported as a result alcohol-related collisions during the same year.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime under California law. 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." The same section also states that it is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, injured victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. Remember that passengers have rights to compensation if the accident was caused by a negligent driver. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.

Do you think the California should increase penalties for first-time DUI offenders?

DUI Collision in Modesto Causes Major Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Man Faces Huffing DUI Charges in Fatal San Diego Car Accident

Joyce — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:05:36 +0000

Romeo Dumlao, 34, has been charged in connection with a DUI collision that occurred in San Diego four months ago killing 9-year-old Ashley Heffington. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the arrest was made this week and Dumlao was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI, both felonies. The fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 31, 2009 near the intersection of Sports Arena and West Point Loma boulevards. Ashley was a rear-seat passenger in a vehicle stopped at a light when Dumlao struck the vehicle from behind. Ashley was in critical condition for 12 days before she died from her injuries.

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Officials say Dumlao is accused of inhaling vapors from a computer dust removal aerosol can in order to get high. This is also known as "huffing." This is the first time prosecutors in San Diego are pursuing a "huffing" DUI charge. The arrest was delayed by months because toxicology tests take time. Although preliminary tests showed the presence of vapors in Dumlao's system, the tests had to be sent to a lab in Pennsylvania in order to determine the levels. Authorities also found several cans with compressed air in Dumlao's home and in his vehicle.

DUI Collisions in San Diego

My heart goes out to the family of Ashley Heffington who has no doubt suffered an irreparable loss, apparently because of one person's reckless actions. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 34 fatalities and 904 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego, California. Countywide, 104 people died and 2,033 were injured as a result of alcohol or drug-related car accidents during the same year.

Protecting their Rights

If Dumlao is found guilty, I hope he receives the maximum punishment. I'm also pleased that prosecutors in San Diego are pursuing this unusual case. California law deems it illegal to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, be it alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription drugs. If "huffing" a chemical gets a driver high and impaired, he has no business getting behind the wheel of a vehicle!

I hope Ashley's family has retained the services of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will help them through the legal process and make sure that their rights and best interests are protected. DUI offenders should be held both criminally and civilly liable for their actions.

Do you believe the DA made the right decision in prosecuting this individual for huffing and driving?

Man Faces Huffing DUI Charges in Fatal San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

What Does It Take To Win An Auto Defect Case?

Joyce — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:51:52 +0000

After an auto defect accident it is important to search for the best auto products liability lawyer. Finding an attorney who is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in defective product cases will be important to your case.

Remember that after an Orange County car accident it is important to preserve your vehicle. Your wrecked car could answer important questions. Do not let the insurance company send it to the scrap yard.

Winning a California auto defects case against one of the large automobile companies may seem impossible for some. When you hire the right attorney this is actually very easy. You need to find an attorney who knows where to look to find all the needles in the haystack. He should have the right team of experts, and the right document library. Once you have found a successful attorney with the right resources you are ready to take on the giant auto manufacturers.

Injured accident victims in need of legal expertise are well advised to seek an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you to receive fair compensation for your injuries.

The catastrophic injury lawyers at BISNAR | CHASE have been helping thousands of injured accident victims since 1978. We have represented thousands of accident victims and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars. If you are in need of an experienced products liability lawyer contact our office for a free consultation.

What Does It Take To Win An Auto Defect Case? is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Ventura DUI Car Accident Causes Injuries

Joyce — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:54:55 +0000

Two people sustained injuries in a Ventura car accident after a suspected drunk driver, who was fleeing a hit-and-run collision, crashed into their vehicle. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the car crash occurred the morning of April 2, 2010, when John Allen Wilson, 47, rear-ended a vehicle occupied by its driver and a 3-year-old passenger on a Fillmore street. Minutes earlier, Wilson had collided with a parked vehicle on Santa Fe Street and left without exchanging information. Wilson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing injury, and hit-and-run. The driver and the child were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. However, the extent of the victims' injuries is not known.

I sympathize with the driver and the child who may have sustained serious injuries in this case. Please keep them in your prayers. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four injuries involving DUI collisions in Fillmore. In Ventura County as a whole, alcohol-related crashed killed 27 people and injured 475 people in 2008.

Car Accident Laws in California

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime 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." The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is also a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

An Injury Lawyer Can Help

Victims who are injured in such accidents would be well-advised to consult a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise injured victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident involving a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured/underinsured motorist.

Ventura DUI Car Accident Causes Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Skateboarder Injured in Orange County DUI Collision

Joyce — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:04:49 +0000

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."

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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.

Skateboarder Injured in Orange County DUI Collision is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers