Three pedestrians were injured in a San Diego car accident involving a suspected drunk driver, early morning on January 29, 2010. According to a 10news report, a driver, who officials believe was under the influence, hit three people standing outside a bar in Pacific Beach. The driver fled the scene of the crash but was arrested soon afterward at his home. San Diego police said one of the pedestrians sustained a broken leg and the other two sustained scrapes and bruises. Police were able to track the hit-and-run suspect with the help of witnesses.

I sympathize with the injured victims, especially the pedestrian who suffered the broken leg. I wish all three injured pedestrians the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I'm glad no one suffered any catastrophic injuries.

DUI Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 41 deaths and 894 injuries as a result of DUI car accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, alcohol-related car accidents claimed 116 lives and injured 2,068 people during the same year.

California Car Accident Laws

I'm glad that police officers were able to apprehend this hit-and-run driver. Both driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of a crash are serious violations of California law. 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. Also, California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, accident victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will financially pursue the negligent motorist found responsible for the collision and make sure the victims receive fair compensation for their injuries, damages and loss. A skilled California car accident lawyer will also be able to tell victims how the uninsured/underinsured clause of their car insurance policy will apply to a hit-and-run accident or an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.