A DUI collision in San Diego involving several vehicles left two people with major injuries the morning of July 2, 2010. The North County Times reports that the injury collision occurred when a Ford Focus driven by Todd Winter rear-ended a big-rig on the 5 Freeway in Encinitas. Winter, who left the scene on foot, fled from his vehicle and a passenger – 30-year-old Sean Elder.

The Focus was then struck by a Honda Accord driven by 38-year-old Lance Encinas and then again by a Corvette whose driver has been identified as James Jonas. Police apprehended Winter and arrested him on suspicion of DUI. Jonas and Encinas were also booked on suspicion of DUI. Elder sustained major injuries as did Encinas, California Highway Patrol officials said.

I wish the injured victim, Sean Elder, the very best for a speedy and full recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Car Accidents

There were four fatalities and 241 injuries involving car accidents in Encinitas, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

Both driving under the influence and hit-and-run are serious violations under California law. Under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a), it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. Also, it is against the law to leave the scene of a crash. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

It would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What more should California legislators do to prevent repeat DUI offenders from getting behind the wheel? We would like to hear your comments and suggestions on this important 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.