Reported Impaired Driver Strikes Walmart Cookie Stand
A reported impaired driver behind the wheel of a Tesla in Granite Bay ran into a stand being run by the Girl Scouts in front of a local Walmart on February 25. The accident occurred at the Walmart on Sierra College at the intersection with Douglas Boulevard at about 3:50 p.m., where the girls were selling products. Two juveniles were working at the stand at the time and suffered moderate injuries.
Two Juveniles and Older Woman Hospitalized With Injuries
Both juveniles were transported to a hospital for medical attention and additional evaluation, along with an older woman, 78, who suffered major trauma. Officers with the Auburn division of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the accident. The Tesla driver, age 69, was arrested for alleged substance use while driving. He was booked into the Placer County jail the night of the collision.
Liability When an Impaired Driver Injures Pedestrians
When an impaired driver injures pedestrians, they may be found liable for their actions. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, an injured pedestrian may bring a lawsuit against the driver and seek compensation for any damages suffered. This can include medical costs, lost wages due to missed work and other financial losses resulting from the incident. The driver may also be liable for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Liability May Extend Beyond the Driver
In some cases, the driver’s employer or other parties may share in the liability for the damages caused by a driver who was impaired. For instance, if a business negligently hired or retained a driver with a history of driving under the influence, they may be found partially liable for any resulting damages.
Recovering Punitive Damages in California
Recovering punitive damages in California is possible under certain conditions. In order to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with malice or oppression and exhibited a conscious disregard for the rights of others. Punitive damages are intended to punish and deter defendants from engaging in similar misconduct in the future.
Unlike some other states, the award of punitive damages in a case is not limited. However, the courts are very cautious when it comes to awarding punitive damages and typically require clear evidence of misconduct or fraudulent behavior before they will make such an award.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured by an impaired driver, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney as soon as possible in order to protect your rights and maximize the chances of recovering any damages owed. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. The lawyer will gather the evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the negligent party’s insurance company for you and can take the case to civil court if necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Granite Bay Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith. I’m a Granite Bay personal injury lawyer. Find out if you are eligible for compensation if you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorist by contacting our injury lawyers. For more information, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Please feel free to use our online form if that is more convenient for you.
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Photo attribution: Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
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