Three people sustained injuries in a Riverside car accident the morning of January 18, 2010, The Press Enterprise reports. The accident occurred on the eastbound 10 Freeway in Palm Desert near Washington Street. Two cars were involved in the collision and one of the vehicles caught fire. The occupants of the other car were trapped and California Highway Patrol officials had to use heavy equipment to free them. Three people were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. None of the injuries is said to be life-threatening. One of the drivers was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

I'm relieved to hear that no one sustained major injuries in this car accident. Given the intensity of this crash, it could have been a lot worse. I wish these injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Alcohol-Related Car Crashes

According to CHP's 2007 traffic accident statistics, four people died and 22 were injured in alcohol-related car accidents in Palm Desert. In Riverside County as a whole, 129 deaths and 1,279 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, one of the drivers may have been under the influence at the time of the crash. Another news report on KPSP news, states that the driver was speeding as well and caused this injury crash. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in California. 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." The same section also states that it is illegal in California to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Injured victims, in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and a successful track record of holding negligent and drunk drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise victims about how a claim for compensation may be filed through their own car insurance policy, in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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.