Two Arrests Made in Napa County Accidents May Have Involved Drunk Driving
Two suspected drunk drivers were placed under arrest in Napa County last weekend for suspected DUI accidents, following separate collisions that caused major injuries in one. The first accident involved a Napa resident, age 33, who became involved in a three-vehicle crash on Big Ranch Road, where it connects with El Centro Avenue on December 12. Following the crash, the Napa resident was placed under arrest for possible felony DUI after being treated for minor injuries at a hospital and booked into the county jail.
Details of the Alleged Drunk Driving Accident
According to a report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Chevy Silverado driver was exiting a driveway around 8:42 p.m., which caused a Toyota Prius to come to a halt along Big Ranch Road southbound. At this point, the suspected drunk driver in a Jeep Cherokee came along and struck the Prius in the rear, pushing it into a ditch. Continuing on, the Jeep then crashed into the Silverado.
Injuries Reported in the First of the Suspected DUI Accidents
The driver of the Prius was identified as Gregory J. Schmitz, who suffered major injuries in the crash and was transported by an ambulance to the Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center for treatment. A Marysville man, age 25, who was driving the Silverado, suffered minor injuries in the suspected drunk driving accident and sought his own treatment.
Second Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested in Separate Collision
The second of the suspected DUI accidents occurred in Carneros on December 11 and involved a man from Santa Rosa, age 33, who was driving a Honda Pilot SUV. While driving along Highway 12/121, close to Duhig Road, the driver lost control of his vehicle, which experienced a rollover. The CHP reported that the driver and three passengers in the vehicle, ages 8, 17, and 35, were transported by ambulance to a hospital with injuries described as minor. The driver of the vehicle also faces allegations of a felony DUI.
The Dangers of a Drunk Driver
Despite education efforts and stepped-up support from law enforcement, drunk drivers continue to be a danger to others sharing the roadway. Statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving show that DUI accidents injured more than 300,000 people and killed over 10,000 in 2019. By holding the drunk driver responsible for their actions, injured people cannot only recover compensation to pay for losses but can hold the driver liable.
Recoverable Damages in Accidents
Damages that can be recovered in DUI accidents caused by another driver by filing a personal injury claim include:
- Medical expenses associated with the accident, including future costs if the injury continues into the future, can be recovered.
- Lost wages, including tips, bonuses, and the value of other perks of the job, are recoverable. If the individual is self-employed, tax returns and other statements can be used to indicate earnings.
- Pain and suffering, not only physical trauma but the adverse emotional and psychological impact the accident has had on you is recoverable. If the injured party has to seek professional counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, the cost can be claimed.
Punitive Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in California. However, in the instance where drunk drivers are repeat offenders and have caused injuries or fatalities in DUI accidents, it may be possible. Your attorney can inform you whether you may be eligible to ask for punitive damages.
Napa Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Napa personal injury attorney. When a drunk driver causes your injuries, you may want to find out about possibly filing a claim for compensation. Contact us for free and friendly advice at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach us online if you prefer.
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Since 1982, my team of injury lawyers and I have helped many Napa County residents in obtaining fair compensation for all types of traffic collisions.
Photo attribution: Image by Ich wünsche allen eine besinnliche Advents- und from Pixabay
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