Alleged Drunk Driver Causes Accidents After Police Chase
A drunk driver in Citrus Heights recently led local police on a chase before he was apprehended after colliding with a number of vehicles. A situation was called into the Citrus Heights Police Department at about 6:15 in the evening, reporting a man who was parked in the lot at Stones Gambling Hall on Antelope Road and passed out inside his vehicle. When officers arrived at the scene, the man drove off, which began a chase by police along westbound Interstate 80 to stop the driver before he hurt someone. Police reported that the alleged drunk driver struck several cars, which included a police patrol car, along Madison Avenue. The driver was eventually arrested and charged with suspected DUI and evasion of police. Major injuries were not reported in the incident.
Accidents Involving a Drunk Driver
Drunk drivers are those who exhibit a level of at least a 0.08 blood concentration when tested. California has a zero-tolerance level for those under 21 and a 0.04 limit for commercial drivers. However, smaller amounts of alcohol can affect a motorist’s ability to drive safely. Some of the effects of alcohol consumption are as follows:
- 0.060 BAC level: Judgment begins to become impaired.
- 0.080 BAC level: Driving skills and muscle coordination are impaired.
- 0.100 BAC level: Reaction time and ability to control a vehicle are impaired.
- 0.150 BAC level: The ability to retain balance and move is severely impaired. At this point, about ½ pint of alcohol is circulating through the blood.
A conviction for drunk driving provides a strong basis for an injured person to get compensation for their injuries with the help of a seasoned injury car accident lawyer. Personal injury damages that can be recovered include all of the medical costs associated with the crash, lost wages and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages can be sought, which are often higher than those in a regular personal injury award.
How a Conviction for Drunk Driving Helps a Civil Claim
Inebriated drivers are breaking the law when they drive drunk. Most are arrested and charged with drunk driving. An arrest can be used to a plaintiff’s (injured party’s) advantage when filing a civil claim or lawsuit. Since driving under the influence is a criminal charge, the case is won on evidence that is beyond a reasonable doubt. Alternately, a personal injury case, which is a civil claim, is won on the preponderance of the evidence. This means that if the drunk driver is convicted in the criminal case, this is strong proof that he or she is at-fault for the damages. This can be used successfully in the personal injury case.
Investigating an Accident
Our law office has years of experience in investigating accident claims involving a drunk driver. We send out investigators to the crash site to gather evidence to support a claim, which includes reviewing the police report for errors and interviewing witnesses. The investigators perform accident reconstruction, which is basically forensic engineering. It helps determine how the accident happened, the contributing factors and the circumstances. Photographs are taken of the scene as well as copies of medical records and run-sheets from emergency personnel to build a complete picture. After all the evidence is compiled, it is released by the investigative team to our lawyers who use it to build a strong case for our clients.
Citrus Heights Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Citrus Heights personal injury lawyer. Drunk drivers cause many injuries and fatalities each year. If your accident injuries were the result of a collision with a drunk driver, I would like to offer you my free and friendly advice. You can get in touch with me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 if calling from long-distance. An online form is also available to send me a message.
Check out the following links to see reviews by prior clients and cases resolved in the past by my law firm:
Since 1982, I’ve assisted Citrus Heights residents in obtaining compensation for their injuries caused by any type of traffic crash, traumas such as brain injuries, and wrongful death cases.
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