DUI Collision in San Francisco Causes Injuries
Charles Heatherly, 77, sustained major injuries in a San Francisco car accident after his vehicle was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Solano Avenue and Luke Drive in Napa, the morning of July 14, 2010. Police said 47-year-old James Fannin was driving south on Solano when he crossed over the center line and slammed into Weatherly's vehicle that was traveling north.
Heatherly was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. Fannin was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. He was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs after authorities determined that he was under the influence of prescription drugs.
My heart goes out to Charles Heatherly and his family. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Heatherly and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
DUI Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 36 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions in Napa, California. In Napa County as a whole, nine people died and 96 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2008.
DUI Law
It is illegal in the state of California to driver under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs -- be it recreational or prescription. 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."
Claim for Compensation
Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise injured victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
What is your opinion about installing Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
Comments
Well, I work for a company that manufactures interlocks, and I've seen the statistics and I think they are an effective way to prevent any hazard on the road due to drunk driving. I hear a lot of customers say that issuing an IID to a first time offender is harsh. However, I believe it's a good way for them to learn their lesson and chance are, they won't make the same mistake again.
Posted by: Sam | July 20, 2010 2:10 PM