California Injury Blog
A 13-year-old boy was struck and critically injured in a Glendale pedestrian accident, which officials say, involved a driver who had a blood-alcohol level of nearly four times the legal limit. According to a KTLA news report, the driver, 63-year-old Christopher Dean Carone was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving after the crash, which occurred the night of Aug. 23 in a crosswalk in the 2800 block of Verdugo Road in front of Glorietta Park.
BAC Well Above Legal Limit
Police say a preliminary alcohol screening showed Carone had a blood-alcohol level of .30%, which is more than four times the legal blood alcohol limit (.08%). Carone reportedly had a previous conviction in 2014 for driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater. Carone was traveling south on Verdugo Road in a 2009 Subaru in the left-hand lane when he hit the teen who was in a marked crosswalk.
A witness said she saw pedestrian lights flashing, alerting drivers there was a pedestrian in the crosswalk. She also said she then saw the Subaru pass by her at 30 to 45 mph. The witness said she honked her horn in an attempt to warn the driver, but Carone failed to stop at the crosswalk and struck the pedestrian. Paramedics transported the injured boy to a hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured teen. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Subaru had a blood-alcohol level that was four times the legal limit. This violates California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). In addition, the driver also failed to yield the right of way to the young pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk with the lights flashing. Under California Vehicle Code 21950 (a), motorists are required to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
In such cases where negligence and wrongdoing are involved, injured victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases for DUI victims and their families will be able to help injured victims secure maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/08/24/13-year-old-boy-struck-critically-injured-by-alleged-dui-driver-in-glendale-crosswalk/