A San Francisco car accident seriously injured four people including a suspected drunk driver, who officials say, caused the crash. The Record-Bee reports that the accident occurred in Lake County on Highway 53 the morning of June 2, 2010, near Anderson Ranch Parkway.
California Highway Patrol officials say Stephen Phipps, 46, drove his Ford Ranger pickup truck into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into an Oldsmobile van. The driver of that van, Luisa Enriquez, 43, and her 12-year-old passenger were injured as was Phipps' passenger 53-year-old Jody Westphall. Police arrested Phipps on suspicion of DUI and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Drunk Driving Incidents
In Lake County as a whole, three fatalities and 64 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the unincorporated areas of Lake County, three people died and 23 were injured as a result of DUI crashes in 2008.
Laws and Liability Issues
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." If Phipps is found to be at fault for the accident, then, he could also be held financially liable. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation from the drunk driver for their injuries, damages and losses.
Victims of DUI collisions would be well-advised to retain a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
What measures would you like to see your local law enforcement take to curb drunk driving in your city?
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.
