San Diego Police Department Officer Injured In Serra Mesa Car Accident With Drunk Driver On Friars Road
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (September 16, 2022) – A San Diego Police Department officer was injured in a Serra Mesa car accident involving a drunk driver along Friars Road.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:30 a.m. on Monday. A San Diego Police Department officer was outside of his police car.
The driver of a Range Rover hit the officer’s cruiser which was then pushed into the officer. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
The officer involved in the crash was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. The driver of the Range Rover was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In San Diego DUI Car Accidents
Driver intoxication remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, “About 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in these preventable crashes. In fact, on average over the 10-year period from 2011-2020, about 10,500 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes.” Blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) below the legal limit can still seriously impair drivers in the following ways. Drivers with a BAC of only 0.05% will likely experience.
- Poor muscle coordination
- Loss of concentration
- Short term memory loss
- Difficulty with speed control
- Impaired perception
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver involved in a crash while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Victims of DUI car accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured in a car accident with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after any accident. A San Diego personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts about your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Diego DUI Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the San Diego Police Department officer injured in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable crash that should have never taken place.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a San Diego car accident with a drunk driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.