A DUI collision in the Sierra City area seriously injured three members of a local family, identified by officials as Heather Laboie, 42, Donna Howard, 66, and Laboie's 6-year-old daughter. The Sierra Sun reports that the injury collision occurred on Highway 89 on July 21, 2010, when a suspected drunk driver crashed his pickup truck into the victims' 2002 Acura. The three victims were taken to area medical centers as was 34-year-old Matthew Dubois, the driver of the other vehicle, who was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

I sympathize with the Laboie family for what they are going through at this time. I hope they did not sustain catastrophic injuries and pray that they recover fully and quickly. Please keep these injured victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 17 fatalities and 627 injuries reported in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, during the same year, 22 people died and 1,418 were injured as a result of car accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues
It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle 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."
Drunk drivers who are found guilty of those charges can be held criminally and civilly liable for their actions. If Dubois is determined to have been under the influence, then he could not only face criminal charges, but also be held financially responsible for the serious injuries caused to the victims. It would be in the best interest of injured victims to seek the help and guidance of a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD web site at www.madd.org.

What can California legislators do to curb the problem of drunk driving on our roadways?

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.