A man sustained injuries including a broken hand in a Los Angeles car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver on January 30, 2010, according to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun. The accident occurred when 40-year-old Miguel Alcaraz ran a red light on Lark Ellen Avenue at Puente Avenue in West Covina and crashed into a Honda minivan that was westbound on Puente. Alcaraz then drove away from the scene of the accident. A West Covina police officer who saw the crash pursued Alcaraz, stopped and arrested him a few blocks away from the accident scene. The victim's injuries were, thankfully, not life-threatening.

It is indeed fortunate that the victim in this case was not seriously injured. I hope he recovers quickly and completely from his injuries.

DUI Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 71 injuries involving DUI car accidents in West Covina. Countywide, alcohol-related car accidents claimed 268 lives and caused 5,169 injuries during the same year.

Several Traffic Law Violations

If this news report is accurate, the driver, Miguel Alcaraz, broke several traffic laws. First, according to officials, he was driving under the influence. Secondly, he ran a red light at the intersection. He then hit another car and fled the scene of an accident. 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."

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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other expenses. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims about their legal rights and options in such cases. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to tell victims how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident, or in a case where a motorist lacks car insurance or sufficient insurance coverage.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.