A 35-year-old man has been critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a suspected drunk driver struck his bicycle the night of December 26, 2009. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Temple and Puente avenues in La Puente when the bicyclist, who was riding his bike in the crosswalk, was struck by an SUV. The driver of the SUV was identified as Frank Lanning, 40. The bicyclist suffered severe head trauma and was taken to an area hospital. Police booked Lanning on suspicion of drunk driving.

I sympathize with this injured victim and his family. I wish this bicyclist the very best for a complete recovery from his critical head injuries. Please keep this victim and his family in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents

Two people died and one person was injured in La Puente as a result of bicycle accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, bicycle accidents claimed 27 lives and injured 2,902 people during the same year.

DUI Laws in California

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (recreational or prescription) is a serious crime in California. 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." We do not know what Lanning's blood alcohol level was. However, according to police, the bicyclist was riding in a marked crosswalk and Lanning still hit him. It seems to me that Lanning was at fault for this serious injury crash. In such cases, the at-fault or negligent parties should be held not only criminally liable, but also financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused to the victim. Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV, Lanning, was at fault for

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

A reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer with a successful track record of holding drunk and negligent drivers accountable, will be able to help victims and their families pursue their legal rights in such cases. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the bicyclist and his family how their car insurance policy applies to a case where the driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance coverage.

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.