Forty-year-old Gabriel Lanusse sustained injuries in a San Francisco car accident the night of February 20, 2010 after the minivan in which he and his family were traveling, was struck by a 17-year-old driver. According to a news report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Lanusse was stopped at a traffic light on Lakeville Highway and Frates Road, in Petaluma, when the female driver lost control, crossing into opposing lanes and hit the minivan.

Lanusse sustained a broken arm. But his wife, Kristine, and two children were uninjured. The 17-year-old was under the influence of alcohol, police said. Officials said they found an empty tequila bottle in her car. She also sustained head injuries, but was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving.

I sympathize with this family for the nightmarish experience they have been through. I'm relieved that the children and Lanusse's wife were not harmed in this horrific crash. This could definitely have been a lot worse. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Alcohol-Related Collisions

According to a study conducted by the 2006 California Healthy Kids Survey, teens in Sonoma County drink 10 percent more than the average California teenager. Of course, possession or consumption of alcohol for anyone below 21 years of age is illegal in California. Also, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were four traffic accident fatalities involving DUI collisions in Petaluma.

Liability Issues

Victims who are injured in such cases would be well-advised to get in touch with a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault or negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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.