A suspected DUI collision resulted in moderate injuries for three people the afternoon of September 1, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the accident happened on the 57 Freeway when three vehicles collided in the northbound carpool lane between Chapman and Nutwood avenues in Fullerton.

California Highway Patrol officials say Robert Rios, 33, who was driving a Chevy pickup truck, failed to brake for slowing traffic ahead and rear-ended a Honda triggering a chain-reaction crash involving two other vehicles. Rios' passenger as well as two occupants of the Honda, were injured. However, they are expected to survive. Rios was booked on suspicion of DUI.

It is indeed fortunate that there were no major injuries in this collision. I wish the victims the very best for a swift and complete recovery from their injuries. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Fullerton Accident Statistics

In Fullerton, there were four fatalities and 743 injuries involving car accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). One fatality and 66 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents in Fullerton during the same year.

Laws and Compensation Issues

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." If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that Rios may have also been traveling at an unsafe speed given the traffic conditions at the time. He was very likely in violation of CaliforniaVehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) as well.

It would be in the best interests of DUI accident victims to seek the counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and successful track record it takes to hold drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions.

Do you believe DUI penalties currently in place are severe enough to deter potential drunk drivers?

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 Lawyers News." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.