A hit-and-run crash in downtown San Francisco resulted in several injuries the night of June 9, 2010, according to a Bay City News report. San Francisco police officials say Jermaine Standfield, 35, drove through a stop sign at one intersection and appeared to have run red lights at two other intersections. He struck a bicyclist, a Hyundai carrying four people and a Toyota Prius. He tried to abandon his car and flee the scene, but was apprehended by police. He has been charged with three counts of felony hit-and-run, felony DUI and possession of marijuana.

It is indeed fortunate that no one suffered catastrophic injuries in this crash. I pray that all the victims recover quickly and completely from their injuries.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics show that there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California, in 2008. A majority of these were injury car accidents. Also, 247 people were killed in 2008 due to hit-and-run crashes statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

The driver in this case, if the details of this article are true, committed several violations including DUI, hit-and-run, running a red light and failing to stop at a stop sign.
California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown." Driving under the influence is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) and hit-and-run is a crime under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

It would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding DUI drivers accountable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What new laws do we need in California to make sure repeat DUI offenders don't get back behind the wheel?

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.

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