A car accident in Petaluma the evening of June 27, 2010 resulted in injuries for a woman, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports. The injury collision occurred at the intersection of Petaluma Hill Road and Valley House Drive when a Toyota Camry crashed with a Toyota 4Runner SUV. The driver of the Camry was injured and taken to a local medical center. Thankfully, she did not sustain any life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 4Runner, a man, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. No one else was injured.

It is indeed fortunate that no one suffered major injuries in this crash. I pray that the injured victim recovers quickly and completely.

Car Accident Statistics

There were four fatalities and 245 injuries involving car accidents in Petaluma in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Sonoma County as a whole, car accidents claimed 36 lives and caused 1,988 injuries in 2008.

DUI Laws

Based on this news report, authorities suspect that this was a DUI collision. 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."

Fault and Liability

Drunk drivers should not only be held criminally responsible, but also civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused to the victim. The San Francisco personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE have represented numerous victims of drunk driving and have helped them financially pursue the driver who was responsible for their injuries and losses. Driving under the influence is never worth it. With the July 4 holiday around the corner, let us remind ourselves never to drink and drive. You are not only putting yourself in danger, but also jeopardizing the lives of other innocent people on the roadway.

Do you believe California should require Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) for all first time DUI offenders? We would like to hear your opinions on this issue.

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.