A car accident in Mendocino County resulted in serious injuries for 20-year-old Misty Duran the afternoon of July 18, 2010. The Willits News reports that the injury crash occurred when 21-year-old Kayla Grace Chesser lost control of her 2003 Honda Civic while traveling northbound on Highway 101. The car rolled over as it left the roadway. Duran sustained major injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Chesser suffered minor injuries, but was booked on suspicion of felony DUI in connection with this injury crash.

My heart goes out to Duran and her family for what they are going through at this time. I truly hope Duran will not suffer disabilities as a result of this accident. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her injuries.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

Sixteen deaths and 83 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions in Mendocino County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 26 people died and 439 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

DUI Law 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." The same section also states that it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has a stellar track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Would you get in a car with a driver whom you know has been drinking? Do you think it's a chance worth taking?

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.