Safe, cautious drivers can do everything they can to avoid traffic hazards, but there are times when that’s not enough to stay out of a collision. Other drivers can make the terrible decision to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol and put every other motorist along their path at serious risk.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that every day almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. That equates to one fatality every 50 minutes.
DUI accidents often involve extreme speeds and drivers under the influence of any substance often don’t have the presence of mind to hit the brakes once an accident is imminent. These factors contribute to the devastating injuries a drunk driver can inflict on others with their vehicle.
DUI Accident in Fresno Leaves Man with Critical Injuries
A man was charged with felony hit-and-run after hitting two cars in northwest Fresno Thursday. ABC-30 TV reported the accident happened on Herndon Avenue near Marks Avenue on September 3, 2020.
Fresno police say a man driving a Chevy Tahoe was traveling at nearly 90 mph when he lost control and struck two cars. The collision sent a Camaro into a tree. That driver was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. The third driver’s condition has not been released.
Investigators report that the 34-yr-old Tahoe driver tried to flee the scene but was found a short time later. He was arrested for felony hit-and-run and DUI.
Compensation After An Injury in a DUI Accident
These tragic accidents can lead to severe injuries for the occupants of any car involved. High speeds only intensify any injures. Victims can see whiplash injuries to the neck and in extreme cases see spinal disk damage. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can also result and can mean anything from impact concussions to permanent brain damage. Broken bones and soft tissue damage are also common. Even safety devices like seat belts and airbags can injure occupants when extreme force is involved.
Victims in DUI crashes will face doctor bills and also may lose paychecks at work when they can’t make it in. These victims were injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault and the only way to get help with the hardships that follow may be to file a claim for damages in a civil lawsuit. The claim would be leveled against the DUI suspect and the insurance company he or she holds a policy with.
In these cases, the DUI suspect will also be facing a criminal trial, but your civil case can still move forward. The claim for damages can be heard in court even if a felony criminal trial hasn’t been resolved yet.
Contact a Fresno DUI Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim in an accident caused by someone driving under the influence you’ll want to act quickly to begin the process of securing compensation. California allows victims up to two years to file a claim for damages, but the sooner you act, the easier time you’ll have collecting evidence, locating witnesses, and retrieving documents. A local, experienced attorney can help you gather these important details to build a solid case.
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact a Fresno car accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
