San Francisco Fatal Car Accident Involves Drunk Driver
A 45-year-old man who was killed in a DUI collision on the 680 Freeway, has been identified by officials as Adam Bajer. CBS News reports that this fatal collision also injured a 35-year-old man who was a passenger in Bajer's pickup truck. This deadly car accident occurred the morning of May 11, 2010 when a pickup truck driven by Timothy Bartelt, 53, struck the pickup truck that Bajer was driving. Bajer was thrown from his vehicle, while his passenger, said to be a relative, suffered major injuries. Bartelt was booked on suspicion of felony drunk driving.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Bajer for their devastating loss. I also hope the passenger did not suffer catastrophic injuries and wish him the best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were 11 fatalities and 850 injuries involving car accidents in Fremont, California, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Alameda County as a whole, 82 people died and 6,935 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Drunk Driving Laws
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." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).
Liability Issues
In such cases victims or their families would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Have you checked your insurance policy lately to find out whether you have uninsured motorist coverage?
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.
