At least two people were injured in a DUI collision the night of July 8, 2010 in Glenn County, the Chico Enterprise Record reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the injury crash occurred on Highway 32, when 23-year-old Jacob Michael Peterson who was driving west in a 1997 Nissan Altima tried to make a U-turn ahead of a 2002 Chevy pickup truck. The 50-year-old driver of the pickup was reportedly not hurt. Peterson and his two passengers sustained minor injuries. Peterson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I sincerely hope the two victims of this crash did not sustain major injuries. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but two injuries reported due to DUI collisions in Glenn County. Also, countywide, nine people died and 114 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Laws
Under California law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level 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."
According to this news report, the collision occurred when Peterson was making a U-turn. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

Had the driver of the pickup truck been injured in the accident here, she could have sought compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. Injured passengers in these types of accidents can also seek compensation for injuries and damages where there is negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the driver. A knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise injured victims and their families about how their auto insurance policy applies to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, should first-time DUI offenders be required to install Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in their vehicles?

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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