A San Bernardino car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver caused serious injuries to Bruce Grund, 58, Christina Grund and Amy Bowser the morning of June 13, 2010, officials said. The Hi Desert Star reports that 41-year-old Sheila Paderes drove a 2001 Dodge Neon through a red light and struck Grund's 2003 Chevy pickup. All three injured victims were taken to an area medical center for treatment. Paderes has been charged with felony DUI and driving without a valid license or auto insurance.
I hope none of these injured victims has sustained major injuries. I pray that their recovery is quick and complete.
Drunk Driving Statistics
There were 12 fatalities and 166 injuries involving DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, according to 2008 CHP traffic accident statistics. In San Bernardino County, 94 people died and 1,052 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in 2008.
Car Accident Laws and Compensation Issues
Both, driving under the influence and running a red light are serious traffic violations under California law. Driving under the influence is illegal under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a). California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."
In this particular case, the driver, Paderes, also had a blood alcohol level of 0.15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. She was also driving without auto insurance and a suspended license. In addition she also had a prior DUI conviction. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please also visit Mothers Against Drunk Driving's website at www.madd.org.
Should California start requiring ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders? We would like to hear your thoughts and opinions on this 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.
