Five children were injured in a San Diego car accident after the van in which they were passengers was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the injury collision occurred on the Interstate 5, near Camp Pendleton, the morning of August 13, 2010. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Jacob Fitchner on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with this crash. The injured occupants of the van included the 40-year-old male driver, a 38-year-old woman, three girls aged 6, 4 and 16 and two 15- and 16-year-old boys. The injuries range from minor to major, officials say.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the injured occupants of the van and their families. I wish them all a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 246 fatalities and 13,527 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in San Diego County. Of those accidents, 104 fatalities and 2,033 personal injuries involved DUI collisions.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal under California law to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. 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."

Drunk drivers could not only face criminal charges, but also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they have caused victims. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and other related damages.

Victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record financially pursuing drink drivers. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to explain how their auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the alleged drunk driver or at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Do you believe California should require the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices for 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.

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