Five people, including two children, were injured in a Bakersfield car accident involving a suspected drunk driver, the morning of January 27, 2010. According to an ABC news report, 49-year-old Benjamin Feliz was driving his Mercury Sable north on Comanche Drive when he crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and collided with a Honda Accord driven by 33-year-old Alicia Carrera. Police officials said Carrera and her passengers – aged 9 and 12 – sustained injuries and were transported to an area hospital. Feliz was arrested on felony drunk driving charges while his passenger, 46-year-old Dianne Stricklen was arrested on suspicion of possession of narcotics.

I sympathize with Alicia Carrera and the two young children who were injured in this accident. I'm relieved to note that their injuries were not life-threatening. I hope and pray they make a speedy and complete recovery.

Alcohol-Related Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 141 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Bakersfield. In Kern County as a whole, DUI car accidents claimed 42 lives and injured 507 during the same year.

DUI Laws and Liability Issues

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (recreational or prescription) is a serious violation of California law. 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." It is illegal in California to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

In such cases, victims who are injured could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer
can advise victims about how their own car insurance policy will apply to such incidents. Victims would be well-advised to contact a reputable injury lawyer, who has a stellar track record holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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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