California Injury Blog
Injuries were reported in a Lake Forest car accident, which officials said, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred on the I-5 northbound, north of Lake Forest Drive. California Highway Patrol officials said Todd Davey, 47, of Buena Park, was driving a Toyota 4Runner, and for unknown reasons, lost control and collided with four other vehicles.
The crash caused the 4Runner to overturn onto the right shoulder. A pregnant woman in her 30s was involved in the crash as were four others. But officials said none of them suffered serious or life-threatening injuries. Davey was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Officials suspect Davey was under influence of drugs and alcohol.
It is indeed fortunate that no one was critically injured in this collision. We wish everyone who was injured the very best for a speedy and full recovery.
DUI Statistics
According to CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 18 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the city of Lake Forest. In Orange County as a whole, 60 fatalities and 1,235 were injured due to alcohol- or drug-related crashes during the same year.
California DUI Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Toyota 4Runner was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, which is illegal under 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.” The same section also states that drivers should not operate motor vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
Liability Issues In cases where motorists cause a crash because they are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in addition to facing criminal DUI charges, they can be held civilly liable for the damages and losses they cause. Injured victims in such cases can file a personal injury claim against the driver seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney who has a successful track record of holding DUI drivers financially responsible.