DUI Collision in San Diego Causes Major Injuries
A DUI collision in northern San Diego County resulted in serious injuries for some occupants of a Chevy Astro van. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the injury crash happened on the 5 Freeway near Camp Pendleton the morning of August 13, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say the suspected drunk driver, 22-year-old Jacob Fitchner, driving a Chevrolet Silverado, struck the van from behind as it merged onto the freeway. The crash resulted in minor to major injuries for the van's occupants, which included five children. Fitchner was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
I sympathize with all those who were injured in this crash, especially the children. I hope no one has suffered major injuries and pray that they recover quickly and completely.
Collision Statistics
There were 104 deaths and 2,033 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in San Diego County in 2008, according to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Laws Relating to Driving Under the Influence
It is against the law in California to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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."
Protecting Victims' Rights
In these types of accidents, if a dangerous condition of the roadway is found to have led to the accident, then, the injured victim and his or her family could file a claim against the governmental entity in charge of maintaining that roadway. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to seek the counsel of a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has experience holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD's web site at www.madd.org.
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.
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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.
