A driver who sustained severe injuries in a DUI collision in Madera County has been identified as 58-year-old Juan Ramirez. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the injury collision was caused by a 16-year-old driver, who officials say, was driving under the influence, possibly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Avenue 14 and Road 29, crashed into Ramirez's Jeep Cherokee, and then left the scene of the crash. The teenager was apprehended shortly after the crash and arrested on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run and driving unlicensed. The collision also injured three other occupants of Ramirez's vehicle.
I sympathize with all the injured victims in this hit-and-run. crash. I hope no one has suffered catastrophic injuries and wish them all the very best for a speedy recovery. Please keep these victims in your prayers.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of thesecar accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in all statewide, in 2008, involving hit-and-run collisions.
Laws and Liability Issues
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious violation of 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."
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
Injured victims in such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, would be well advised to consult an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their rights are protected and that the negligent parties are held accountable.
Do you believe underage drinking is a problem in your community?
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.
