Two people, including the suspected drunk driver, were injured in a Laguna Beach car accident, which occurred early morning on January 6, 2012. According to a news report in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, the injury crash occurred in the 1500 block of Glenneyre Street. Police say 18-year-old Cameron Tyler Bigelow was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after crashing his vehicle into a home. Bigelow's passenger suffered a broken right leg, sprained neck and back, and severe trauma to his right eyeball. Bigelow had a laceration on the back of his head. Both were transported to an area hospital. Damages to the home were estimated at about $3,000.

It is indeed fortunate that none of the residents were injured in this crash. I wish the injured passenger the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 18 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in the city of Laguna Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 62 fatalities and 1,340 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions, during the same year.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that this incident involved an underage drunk driver. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) prohibits drivers 21 years and older from driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Drivers under the age of 21 face even greater restrictions regarding alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23136: "It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In this particular incident, the passenger can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for the injuries he has suffered. Compensation can be sought to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Miguel Melchor, 21, was killed in a Riverside car accident which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news article in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal DUI crash occurred at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Meadows Parkway in Temecula, the night of December 24 2011. Officials report the driver of a white Toyota Tacoma pickup was under the influence of alcohol when he drove through a red light and collided with a Toyota Tundra pickup. Melchor was pronounced dead at a nearby medical center and three others were hospitalized with injuries.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Miguel Melchor for their terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this tragic car crash. I wish them all the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 17 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the city of Temecula. During that same year, there were 87 fatalities and 986 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes, in Riverside County as a whole.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, the driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not only driving under the influence, but also ran a red light at the intersection before crashing into the other vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

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." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. Family members can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship, and other related damages. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Two police officers were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the DUI collision occurred on Vermont Avenue in Gardena, the night of December 14, 2011. The police officers were sitting in a patrol car that had its emergency lights flashing when a minivan rear-ended them. The two officers sustained non-life threatening injuries. A third officer who was standing near the car was able to avoid injury by leaping out of the way. Authorities quickly apprehended the driver, Jovan Lamar Pryor, 33, after he attempted to flee the scene of the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this Los Angeles DUI collision. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 24 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Gardena. During that same year, 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries occurred as a result of Los Angeles County DUI collisions.

Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, Pryor was not only driving under the influence of alcohol, but he also attempted to flee the crash, leaving the injured police officers at the scene. Appalling! 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."

Also, California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk driving accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause. In this case, since the officers were on the job, they can claim workers compensation benefits through their employer, in addition to seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced that, alongside the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), they will launch new efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of drugged driving. While drunk driving remains the primary threat to safety on American roadways, in recent years MADD has become increasingly worried about the growing trend of poly-abuse (the use of both drugs and alcohol simultaneously) and drugged driving crashes.

Today, driving under the influence no longer simply refers to driving drunk, and while the substances being used may be different, the cost of such actions remain the same – needless deaths and injuries. Removing these drivers from the road and teaching responsibility is MADD's top priority. Educating today's youth about past mistakes can help us make sure it doesn't happen in the future.

A Few NHTSA Statistics

• Roughly one in eight weekend, nighttime drivers tested positive for illicit drugs.
• In 2009, of the drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes (and were subsequently tested and had results reported), one in three tested positive for drugs.
• One in ten high school seniors self-reported that in the last two weeks they had driven a car after using marijuana.

To say these numbers are alarming is a gross understatement, and action needs to be taken. MADD parterning with the ONDCP is a wonderful first step, but they need volunteers such as yourself to step forward and help out as well. Until recently, MADD has not taken a nationally coordinated effort in seeking out these under-served individuals.

Additionally, MADD will begin to honor law enforcement officers who are making strides in discovering effective strategies for recognizing drugged driving in order to raise awareness about this growing threat to American families. Starting this year, an award, known as the ‘MADD Hero Award for Drugged Driving Enforcement,’ will be awarded biannually to a law enforcement agency, individual or group that has made significant contributions toward getting drugged drivers off of the nation’s roadways.

If you've been involved in a DUI accident, please give us a call at 1-800-561-4887 to discuss your case and receive a free consultation.

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A truck driver was injured in a Costa Mesa car accident, which officials say involved a man who was driving under the influence, the morning of November 16, 2011. According to a news article in the Daily Pilot, the truck accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Newport Boulevard at Del Mar Avenue. A Toyota 4Runner SUV driven by 29-year-old Michael Conzelman of Santa Ana hit the Coca-Cola delivery truck. The truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police report Conzelman was under the influence of an unknown substance, was hallucinating, and was confrontational with officers. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I'm relieved to hear that the truck driver was not seriously injured. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 84 injuries involving DUI collisions in the city of Costa Mesa. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,340 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, the driver, Conzelman, was under the influence of a controlled substance. 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."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. In this case, the truck driver may also be able to seek workers compensation benefits because he was on the job at the time of the collision.
Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding negligent drivers financially responsible for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org

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Jorge Cisneros, 18, was killed in an Orange County car accident, which officials say, involved a suspected underage drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal collision occurred early morning on November 6, 2011 on Santiago Canyon Road near Irvine Lake. California Highway Patrol officials say Jesus Manzo Torres, 18, was driving a 1996 Subaru Legacy at a high rate of speed when he lost control and crashed into a tree. The impact of the collision was apparently so great that the Subaru sheared into two.

Cisneros had to be extricated from the vehicle, but died on the way to a hospital. The other passengers, ages 14, 16, 17 and 18, were transported to area hospitals. The extent of their injuries is not known. Three of the vehicle's occupants had been ejected and thrown down an embankment. Torres was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jorge Cisneros for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Alcohol-Related Collisions

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 37 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Also, countywide, DUI collisions claimed 62 lives and injured 1,340 people, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, the 18-year-old driver of the Subaru was under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal in California for those under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. 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."

Victims' Rights

In such cases, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for damages. In addition, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Five people were injured in a Huntington Beach car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Newman Avenue early morning on October 11, 2011. Officials say the driver of a Toyota Camry, identified as 22-year-old Forrest Leland Kelly, was northbound on Beach when he broadsided a southbound Dodge Durango driven by 28-year-old Thomas William Barrett.

The Dodge that had three passengers was making a U-turn at the intersection when the crash occurred. The Dodge overturned and all four occupants were transported to a local hospital with injuries. Kelly was also injured, but was later arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Huntington Beach police officials at 714-536-5666.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this DUI crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 141 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Huntington Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,340 were injured due to DUI collisions, during the same year.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that Kelly broadsided the Dodge with this Toyota. Officials say he was under the influence at the time. They have not released information about his blood alcohol level. Under California law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
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."

DUI Victims' Claim for Compensation

If Kelly is determined to have been at fault, in addition to facing criminal charges, he can be held financially liable for the victims' injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. They would be well-advised to contact an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Ioane Lui Nuumau II, 28, and Ryan Faiga Tauilili, 24 were killed in a Los Angeles car accident after the pickup truck they were travelling in crashed into a cement wall. According to a City News Service report, the fatal car crash occurred on Wilshire Boulevard at Park View Street, the early morning of October 8, 2011. Officials say David Young Lee, 27, lost control of the white GMC pickup and struck a cement wall. Nuumau and Tauilili were killed in the crash, while Lee suffered critical injuries and a fourth occupant, a 23-year-old man, suffered minor injuries. Lee has been booked on suspicion of murder because the authorities believe he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of Ioane Lui Nuumau II and Ryan Faiga Tauilili following this tragic crash. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Los Angeles DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 2,218 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Los Angeles. During that same year, Los Angeles County DUI collisions claimed 204 lives and caused 4,672 injuries.

California DUI Laws

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal for motorists to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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." In this particular case, the driver has been charged with murder. It is unknown at this time what his blood alcohol content was, or, if he had prior DUI convictions.

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship. They would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has the experience as well as a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Six children were injured, two critically, in a Lancaster car accident, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to an NBC news report, the injury collision occurred the morning of September 25, 2011, when a 2002 Toyota Sequoia driven by 31-year-old Stanesha Nicole Allen, drifted onto the dirt shoulder near 65th Street East. The Toyota SUV rolled over and some of the children were ejected. Two of the critically injured children were airlifted to a hospital while four others sustained minor to moderate injuries. The children ranged in age from 10 months to 11 years old. Allen was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The children's relation to Allen has not been established. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the young children who were seriously injured in this SUV rollover accident. I pray for their speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 65 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Lancaster. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 204 people died and 4,672 were injured as a result of DUI collisions, during the same year.

Drunk Driving Law

Based on this news report, the driver of the SUV was driving several young children while possibly being under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal 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."

Liability Issues

In addition, it also appears that two children were ejected from the SUV that rolled over. It is unclear if the children were properly restrained in a safety seat at the time. The relationship between the driver and the children is also not known at this time.

In such cases, drunk drivers can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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Nine bicyclists were injured, six seriously, in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a CBS News report, the injury bicycle accident occurred in the early morning hours of June 16, 2011 near the intersection of West Jefferson Place and Rodeo Road.

Witnesses say a 27-year-old woman was driving a Honda Civic at about 60 mph when she jumped a curb and plowed into a group of about 100 bicyclists. The group of bicyclists called the Korea Town Riders was participating in a late night ride that began in the Westlake district. The woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officials are still looking at blood alcohol test reports to determine the level of intoxication.

My heart goes out to all those who were injured in this horrific DUI collision. I hope none of the injuries were life-threatening. Please keep these injured victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 24 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Culver City. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008. Also, countywide, 258 deaths and 4,832 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, not only was the driver of the Honda Civic speeding and under the influence, but she accelerated into this group of bicyclists. Driving under the influence is a serious offense 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."
Also, California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

This driver should not only be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but should also be held civilly liable for the serious injuries and damages caused here. How many of these bicyclists will be able to pursue their passion again? How long will it take them to get back on the road or even back to their jobs and living a normal life? This incident is an example of how one person's reckless actions and irresponsible choices can have a lasting and tragic impact on the lives of others.

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers and holding them accountable. Victims can seek compensation for damages including all medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and pain and suffering. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at BISNAR | CHASE for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

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