Two DUI Drivers Meet in Frightening Series of Crashes
A strange series of accidents caused several people injuries and led to criminal charges for two of the drivers, according to a recent report. The incident began when a 42-year-old male driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol was driving his Ford Escape and hit two parked cars in a liquor store parking lot in North Park. He then fled the scene but ran a red light a few blocks away and struck a Saab at the intersection of Park Boulevard and University Avenue.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage to the point that firefighters had to cut off one passenger door in order to extract the victim. The driver of the Saab suffered a fractured neck while his passenger had more minor injuries. Both were transported to an area hospital. The driver and a passenger in the Ford were also take the hospital with minor injuries.
Ironically, both the driver of the Saab and the driver of the Ford were charged with DUI. The Ford driver was also charged with hit-and-run.
Hit-and-Run Accidents On The Rise
Recent statistics show that California has a higher hit-and-run rate on average than any other state. Experts have speculated that a high number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers may contribute to this phenomenon, but it is also clear that alcohol use can lead to hit-and-run behavior.
Currently, about 300 people per year die in hit-and-run crashes across the state and many others are injured. Several authorities have estimated that one in four fatal accidents in California are due to unlicensed drivers and many of these are hit-and-run crashes. When a driver faces arrest and punishment for driving without a license or for being drunk, it is more likely that he or she will flee the scene of a crash.
Victims Are Entitled to Compensation
Whether the driver who causes an accident is licensed or unlicensed, drunk or sober, or flees the scene or stays, the victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, it may be difficult for victims to collect this compensation if the driver is not apprehended or has no insurance.
However, there may be other ways for victims to collect compensation for their injuries. Daniel M. Gilleon in San Diego may be able to help you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run or drunk driving crash.
