A pedestrian was injured in a Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the DUI collision occurred the night of August 30, 2011 near Fred Waring Drive. Police report Barbara Crozier hit several parked cars and ran over a pedestrian's foot at an apartment complex. She then fled the scene of the accident, but eventually ended up crashing into a fountain outside the Marakesh Country Club in Palm Springs, three hours after the first incident. She faces felony hit and run charges as well as a DUI charge. The condition of the injured pedestrian is not known at this time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish the victim a complete and speedy recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 26 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Palm Desert. During that same year, there were 87 fatalities and 986 injuries reported involving Riverside County DUI collisions.

Drunk Driving and Hit-and-Run

It appears from the report that the driver responsible for this injury accident was under the influence of alcohol. 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."

Additionally, the at-fault motorist left the scene of the accident leaving an injured pedestrian. Unconscionable! 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 hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. Victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation 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.