Modesto Driver with Suspended License Accused of Driving Drunk, Injuring 4
A serious crash in Stanislaus County has left multiple people injured and raised important questions about the rights of victims hurt by drunk drivers. According to local news reports covering the dangerous and frightening accident, a Modesto man is accused of driving under the influence, crashing head-on into another vehicle, and then fleeing the scene. The crash happened shortly before 1 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, along River Road near Cleveland Avenue near the Oakdale area. Authorities say a Mercedes sedan driven by a 52-year-old Modesto man crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on into a Kia SUV. Inside the SUV was a 17-year-old driver and several passengers. The teen driver suffered minor injuries, while two passengers sustained major injuries and were transported to the hospital. A third passenger was also involved, though details about their injuries were not released. Reports indicate that the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene after the crash. Modesto police officers then later located him at a Modesto residence, where they observed signs of intoxication and took him into custody. He is now facing multiple felony charges, including DUI, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license.
While the criminal case will focus on punishment of the DUI driver, the truth is that the injured victims may also have important rights under California civil law. Here we explain why and where you can get legal help in Modesto if you were injured by a drunk or intoxicated driver.
Criminal Charges Are Separate from Civil Injury Claims
When a driver is charged with DUI or hit-and-run in Modesto, those charges are handled in criminal court. Criminal cases in Modesto are designed to hold drivers accountable through fines, probation, or jail time. However, criminal proceedings do not compensate victims for medical bills, lost income, or long-term injuries. This is where California personal injury law comes in. If you are injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue a civil claim for compensation, regardless of what happens in the criminal case. In fact, even if the DUI driver is convicted, you can bring a case for compensation, and the conviction may even strengthen your claims.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Victims injured by intoxicated drivers may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages under California civil personal injury laws. This can include medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In serious cases involving reckless or intoxicated driving, additional damages may be available. Importantly, even when a driver flees the scene or has a suspended license, civil claims may still be possible. Insurance coverage, personal assets, and other legal avenues may apply depending on the circumstances of the crash.
How a Modesto Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
How can an experienced Modesto car accident lawyer help you get compensation due to you after a serious DUI accident happens? An experienced Modesto car accident lawyer can help injured victims understand their rights and pursue compensation under California law. An experienced Modesto car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, work with experts, communicate with insurance companies, and handle the legal process from start to finish.
If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver in Modesto or the surrounding area, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced Modesto car accident lawyers at The Law Firm of R. Sam. The experienced Modesto car accident lawyers at The Law Firm or R. Sam are here to help victims of serious DUI accidents in Modesto, California and Stockton, California get justice against the drunk and intoxicated drivers who injure them. Contact The Law Firm of R. Sam today and speak with a lawyer now.
Source:
kcra.com/article/oakdale-dui-crash-river-road-modesto-man-arrested/69578406