Virtuoso jazz saxophonist Boney James, 48, sustained injuries in a Long Beach car accident after his car was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver, KTLA News reports. The injury collision occurred May 15, 2010 on the 405 Freeway. James was reportedly driving home after his appearance at the three-day Newport Jazz Festival. His car was rear-ended when he was stopped in traffic. James suffered a fractured jaw, two broken teeth and a gash on his chin that required 14 stitches. James is said to have been released from the hospital, but has canceled an upcoming show.

I'm glad to hear that James did not suffer major injuries in this collision. I wish this award-winning and prolific musician the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 186 injuries involving DUI collisions in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car collisions during the same year.

DUI Laws in California

Under California law, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime. 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 also illegal for a motorist to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability in Drunk Driving Cases

If the details of this news report are accurate, authorities believe that the driver who was behind James rear-ended him because he was impaired. I trust investigators are thoroughly examining the facts of the case. If it is determined that the driver of the other vehicle was intoxicated at the time of the collision, he could be held both criminally and civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused in this case.

In drunk driving cases, it is highly advisable for victims to consult a reputed Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and matching success record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Should installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) be made mandatory for first-time DUI offenders?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.