Two Injured in Orange County DUI Car Collision
Two teenage girls were injured in an Orange County car accident after the car they were in crashed on the 55 Freeway in Tustin. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred early morning on July 20, 2010 on the 17th Street on-ramp to the southbound 55 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials say the girls were in a 2005 Nissan Altima. The driver of that vehicle, a minor, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. An investigation is ongoing.
It appears, based on this report, that these two teen girls sustained major, possibly, catastrophic injuries. This incident is yet another reminder for all of us, particularly young people, that it is never a good idea to get in a car with a driver who is possibly under the influence. I pray for the quick and complete recovery of these two seriously injured victims.
DUI Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 49 injuries involving DUI collisions in Tustin. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.
Drunk Driving Law
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." Consumption of alcohol is illegal for those under the age of 21. When an underage driver operates under the influence of alcohol, the legal consequences can be severe.
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and even long-term care in cases where catastrophic injuries are involved. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to inform victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
In your opinion, what are some effective ways to prevent underage drinking and driving?
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.
