A 27-year old man who was walking on a sidewalk in the San Ysidro area of San Diego County was involved in a pedestrian accident when he was struck by a speeding vehicle around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The driver was a 27-year old woman who was driving a Honda sedan. According to officials, she was driving at a high-rate of speed and is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. The driver struck the pedestrian victim on the south sidewalk at the intersection of Camino de la Plaza near New Orleans Avenue. The pedestrian was seriously injured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol related car crashes. In fact, 31% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involved drivers under the influence. The 2012 figures from the National Highway Traffic Administration indicate a 4.6% increase from the previous year in 2011. Pedestrians are particularly susceptible of being struck by drivers under the influence as they are the least protected.
Anyone who causes a car accident as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance is considered negligent. Unfortunately, this is of little solace to the victims of alcohol-related car accidents. Substantial compensation may never make up for the physical and emotional losses the victims suffer. A driver convicted of a DUI is almost always responsible to pay for all damages they cause, but the negligent driver may not be the only person deemed liable.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, there are things you can do to help protect your rights. You have the right to recover just compensation for your damages, as well as recover punitive damages. Cases involving the serious injury or death of a loved one caused by the acts of an intoxicated driver are among the most difficult situations we can face with our clients. Call Martinez & Schill LLP for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers will give you one on one attention. 619-512-5995.