California pedestrian accident results in 13 injuries
Several pedestrians were recently injured in a vehicle crash in California. The pedestrian accident allegedly involved a driver who was operating a vehicle under the influence. The accident took place on a recent Sunday night.
The crash occurred at the intersection of two streets. Police said families had gotten together to view Christmas decorations. At that time, a pickup truck that was traveling on one street reportedly made a sudden turn and ended up T-boning a minivan.
Police reported that the minivan then plowed into the spectator crowd. A total of 13 people suffered injuries in the collision. Eleven of those injured were transported to a hospital, with the conditions of four of them being critical. Seven of those injured happened to be pedestrians. The pickup truck driver who had allegedly engaged in DUI was arrested.
The person accused of driving under the influence will not only face legal challenges in the criminal justice system but also may be faced with legal troubles in civil court. This is because the injured parties have the right to file personal injury claims against the driver, pursuing monetary damages that can help them to cover their hospital bills, the loss of wages and other expenses stemming from the pedestrian accident. Financial restitution may also help to address the victims’ accident-related emotional distress or pain and suffering. If the reported DUI driver ends up being criminally convicted, evidence of the conviction may be furnished in civil court in an effort to establish the driver’s liability in California.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Suspected DUI Crash Leaves 13 Hurt in Alhambra“, Willian Avila and Gadi Schwartz, Dec. 15, 2014