Sarah Mecies was injured in a Modesto car accident when, officials say, a drunk driver who ran a red light struck her vehicle. According to a news report in The Modesto Bee, the DUI crash occurred at Oakdale Road and Floyd Avenue in Modesto, the morning of July 26, 2011. Mecies was turning left at the intersection when 60-year-old Perry Huffman ran a red light and struck her Toyota. Mecies had glass in her eyes and sustained cuts and bruises, while Huffman sustained minor injuries. Huffman was later arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sarah Mecies following this DUI crash. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 117 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Modesto. During that same year, there were 26 fatalities and 287 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions in Stanislaus County.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report the driver, Huffman, was not only operating a vehicle under the influence, but also violated California Vehicle Code Section 21453 when he ran a red light. 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 states that it is illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk drivers may seek financial compensation for the losses they have suffered by filing a personal injury claim. Damages that may be covered by a civil lawsuit include hospital expenses, pain and suffering, time away from work and cost of rehabilitation.

Injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Modesto personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers on behalf of victims and their families. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Modesto Personal Injury Attorneys

Do you think that convicted drunk drivers should have to use ignition interlock devices (breathalizers installed in their vehicle) before they start their cars after their first offense? Yes No Current Results

Modesto Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Fermin Duran Jr., 29, was killed in a Modesto car accident after his bicycle was struck by a car the night of February 4, 2010, the Modesto Bee reports. California Highway Patrol officials say Duran was stopped and on his bicycle, in the eastbound lane of West Service Road, when he was struck by a speeding GMC Suburban. The SUV, driven by 22-year-old Pedro Avalos, was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision. Avalos was not cited at the scene, but CHP officials say charges may be forthcoming.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Fermin Duran Jr. for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

There were two fatalities and 69 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Modesto in 2007, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Stanislaus County as a whole, nine deaths and 160 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Speed Laws

Based on this news report, CHP officials say drugs or alcohol was not a factor in this fatal bicycle versus car accident. However, officials are saying that the maximum speed allowed on that roadway is 55 mph "under optimal conditions." On Thursday when the accident occurred, it was raining and the roadway was wet. The driver may be cited for going too fast given the dark and rainy conditions. CHP officials are saying that it is incumbent on drivers to operate at a speed that if they encounter something stationary on the roadway, they are able to maneuver and avoid it, especially in country roads.

California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Fault and Liability

If the CHP's investigation determines that Avalos was at-fault for this fatal accident, Duran's family may be able to seek compensation for his wrongful death. A wrongful death claim usually seeks compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Duran's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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.

Bicyclist Killed in Modesto Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal