Irvine Car Accident Causes Injuries

Two people were injured in an Irvine car accident after the driver lost control and crashed the vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, police later arrested the driver, 23-year-old Daniel Stirewalt, on suspicion of driving under the influence. The accident occurred early morning on June 10, 2010 when the green Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driven by Stirewalt headed east on Walnut Avenue. The vehicle failed to negotiate a curve near Kazan Street, hit the center median and rolled over. Stirewalt's passenger had to be extricated from the wreckage. Both were transported to an area hospital with head injuries.

I hope the passenger has not sustained any catastrophic injuries in this accident. I wish this injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

There was one fatality and 68 injuries involving DUI collisions in Irvine in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Orange County, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Officials in this case arrested Stirewalt on suspicion of DUI. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol 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."

Where recklessness or negligence is involved, passengers can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other related damages.

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Irvine personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and a successful track record of holding negligent and drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. 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 at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Should first-time DUI offenders be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicles?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.