A hit-and-run collision in San Diego caused major injuries to a 65-year-old pedestrian the night of July 17, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the injury collision occurred near the intersection of Alvarado Road close to Alvarado Court. Police say that the female driver left the scene soon after the accident, but later returned. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and broken bones. Police determined that 57-year-old woman was under the influence of alcohol at the time and that she was the one who struck the pedestrian. Police arrested the driver on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.

I hope the victim of this crash has not sustained catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely. He will be in my prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher in California under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident. In this case, although the woman returned after initially fleeing, she could be charged with hit-and-run because the law requires all drivers to stop immediately and remain at the scene until authorities arrive in the event of an accident.
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."

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

In your opinion, should California start requiring Ignition Interlock Devices for first-time DUI offenders?

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.