Three people sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident that involved two drunk drivers the morning of January 23, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, a car traveling east on Sherman Way was making a U-turn in the 13800 block, when it was hit by an eastbound pickup truck. The car then went on to a curb while the truck collided with a parked SUV.

The driver and the passenger of the truck attempted to flee the scene, but police officers apprehended the driver, who was arrested on felony DUI charges. The female driver of the car and her two passengers, were hospitalized with injuries. However, the female driver is also under investigation for felony drunk driving.

This was a horrific accident, very likely caused by two drivers who were operating under the influence. Everyone who was involved, including the two drivers and the passengers, are certainly fortunate to be alive. I hope no one sustained any life-threatening injuries here. Both drivers will no doubt be charged criminally if they are found to have been driving under the influence.

DUI Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 94 deaths and 2,392 injuries involving DUI car accidents in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 268 people died and 5,169 were injured as a result of alcohol-related traffic accident during the same year.

California Drunk Driving Laws

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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." The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle. In DUI car accidents where fatalities are involved, impaired drivers can also face gross vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5.

Claims for Compensation

Victims who have sustained serious injuries in accidents caused by drunk drivers would be well-advised to seek the counsel of reputed Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, who have an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related expenses. 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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