DUI Collision in San Bernardino Injures Three
Three people were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after a suspected drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed the morning of July 18, 2010. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the injury collision occurred near the intersection of 3rd Street and Palm Avenue in Highland.
The driver, 19-year-old Gilberto Paredes, drove through the intersection at a high rate of speed and hit the south curb. He then continued into a private yard and struck a tree. The Honda Accord rolled over and landed on its roof. One of Parades' passengers were trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. Parades and the other two men were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. They are all said to be in stable condition. Speed and alcohol were factors in this collision, officials said.
I hope none of these injured victims sustained major injuries. I wish them the best for a quick and full recovery from their injuries.
DUI Statistics
Two fatalities and 13 injuries were reported in Highland in 2008 as a result of DUI collisions, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Bernardino County, during the same year, 94 people died and 1,052 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes.
Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/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." Under the same section, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Claim for Compensation
Passengers who have been injured as a result of a negligent, drunk or reckless driver can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance for injuries, damages and losses suffered in the accident. They can claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.
Victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Would you travel as a passenger in a vehicle whose driver was intoxicated? We would like to hear your comments and opinions on this important issue.
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.
