California Injury Blog
Marc William Durham, 65, was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a 10news report, the fatal collision occurred the night of August 20, 2010, at the intersection of Camino Del Norte and Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego. Police say a 57-year-old man rear-ended Durham’s vehicle, which was stopped at a red light and triggered a chain reaction crash involving several other vehicles. Several others sustained minor injuries. However, Durham was killed in the crash. The man who caused the crash is suspected of driving under the influence. An investigation is ongoing.
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I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marc William Durham for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
DUI Collisions
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 34 fatalities and 907 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions in San Diego. Countywide, 104 people died and 2,033 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year.
California Drunk Driving Laws
It is illegal to drive in California with a blood alcohol content level of .08 percent or over. 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).
Compensation Issues
If this driver is determined to have been under the influence at the time, he can be held criminally and civilly liable for this collision and resulting death and injuries. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, and other damages and losses. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. A reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer will help injured victims or families of deceased victims to better understand their legal rights and options in such cases.
Do you believe that drunk drivers are a serious problem in your community? What do you believe lawmakers should do to counter this problem?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys 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.