DUI Collision Proves Fatal for San Diego Man
A suspected DUI collision in San Diego proved fatal for 65-year-old Marc William Durham the night of August 20, 2010. The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Camino del Norte and Carmel Mountain Road in Rancho Bernardo, 10news reports. A 57-year-old driver apparently rear-ended several vehicles that were stopped at a red light at the intersection. Durham was the driver of the car that was rear-ended first. Several other sustained minor injuries, officials said. Police are investigating the involvement of alcohol and/or drugs in this incident.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Marc William Durham. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Of those incidents, 34 deaths and 907 injuries involved alcohol-related collisions.
DUI Laws
California law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while under the influence or alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to drive in California with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A person, who by the act of driving drunk fatally injures another, can face gross vehicular manslaughter charges.
California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."
Fault and Liability
In such cases, at-fault parties can be held both, criminally and civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Injured victims or families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will advise victims about how to pursue their legal rights.
Do you believe that drunk drivers are a serious problem in your community? What do you believe lawmakers should do to counter this problem?
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.
