A motorcyclist sustained serious injuries in a car accident in San Diego the afternoon of May 29, 2010, which officials say, was caused by a woman who was driving under the influence. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the 28-year-old female driver ran a red light at Fourth Avenue and Main Street, in Chula Vista, before striking and injuring the motorcyclist. She then fled the scene of the collision. Police caught up with the driver and arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury, drug possession and hit-and-run. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but suffered broken bones and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. He is expected to survive.


View Larger Map

My heart goes out to this injured motorcyclist and his family. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

DUI Collisions

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were eight fatalities and 99 injuries involving DUI collisions in Chula Vista, California. In San Diego County as a whole, DUI accidents claimed 104 lives and injured 1,033 people during the same year.

Violations of the Law

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the vehicle not only ran a red light and was under the influence, but also left the scene of an accident. If this is correct, she committed three serious violations of the law. Failing to stop for a red light is illegal under California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) which 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." Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of a crash is against California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a).

Fault and Liability

The injured motorcyclist in this case could seek compensation from the at-fault driver to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, costs of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Chula Vista personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. An experienced car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Will requiring first-time DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in their vehicles, curb DUI accidents? We would like to hear your opinions on this issue.

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.

Bookmark and Share