Pedestrian Seriously Injured In Desert Hot Springs DUI Car Accident By The Intersection of Ironwood Drive and Ocotillo Road
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA (June 19, 2022) – A female pedestrian was critically injured in a Desert Hot Springs car accident near the intersection of Ironwood Drive and Ocotillo Road.
Riverside County Police officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. A pedestrian was standing by a parked vehicle when a driver drifted into the opposite side of the road and hit the victim.
The pedestrian became pinned against her parked vehicle. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
She was taken to the hospital with major injuries. Alcohol and/or drugs are considered factors in the collision. A full investigation into the Desert Hot Springs pedestrian accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Desert Hot Springs Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection afforded to the passengers of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to data from the NHTSA, “Pedestrian fatalities in crashes increased 44 percent in the last decade (2010 to 2019), with the pedestrians’ share of traffic fatalities increasing 32 percent, from 13 to 17 percent.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a pedestrian accident.
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Inclement weather
- Drug use
- Poor road conditions
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, no person shall drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than 0.08%. Commercial drivers are held to an even higher standard. They must not drive a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s driving ability in the following ways.
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.04 have reduced coordination.
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.04 have trouble staying in their lane.
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.04 have delayed reaction times.
Any person that is injured due to the negligence of 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. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. It is important to act within the statute of limitations.
Investigating A Riverside County Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the woman injured in this Desert Hot Springs pedestrian accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for this preventable collision.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Riverside County pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that drunk drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
