A 23-year-old man who sustained major injuries in a Riverside car accident, has been identified as 23-year-old Derek Short. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the accident occurred the afternoon of November 28, 2009, when Short was pushing a disabled SUV along North Sunrise Way near Via Escuela. That was apparently when 52-year-old Seth Arsenault struck Short, rear-ending the SUV. Short sustained severe injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Police suspect that Arsenault was driving under the influence of alcohol.
I sympathize this young victim who has apparently suffered serious injuries in this car accident caused by a drunk driver. It is not clear whether Paz was injured in this accident. I sincerely hope that Short did not suffer catastrophic injuries and that he has a speedy and complete recovery. He will certainly be in my prayers.
Riverside DUI Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people died and 66 were injured in DUI car accidents in Palm Springs. Countywide, 129 deaths and 1,279 injuries were reported as a result of DUI car accidents.
Arsenault is apparently being investigated for driving under the influence in this case. If he is found guilty, Arsenault is looking at serious criminal charges. Driving under the influence is a serious crime in California. 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."
Contacting an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
The victim in this case could benefit from a consultation with a reputed California personal injury attorney, who has a successful track record holding negligent and drunk drivers accountable. Short could seek compensation to cover medical costs, lost earnings and other accident-related damages. If Arsenault lacks insurance or sufficient insurance, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also explain to the victim how his car insurance policy applies to an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
I always recommend people to consult a personal injury lawyer as well.
Best of luck to the victims.