DUI Suspected in Dana Point Car Accident

At least two people were injured in a car accident in Dana Point, which officials say, may have involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the three-car collision was reported at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Selva Road the night of November 2, 2016. Officials said it involved a Subaru, a BMW and an Acura and that two people were taken to local hospitals with traumatic injuries.

Authorities have not arrested the person who is suspected of driving under the influence. Officers will conduct an investigation including drawing the driver’s blood in order to determine whether any alcohol or drugs were present in his or her system. No arrests or citations were reported.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this crash. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Crash Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 123 were injured as a result of car accidents in Dana Point. In Orange County as a whole, 165 fatalities and 13,837 injuries were reported due to car accidents during the same year. Of those, 60 fatalities and 1,235 injuries occurred as a result of DUI crashes.

Driving Under the Influence

Based on this news report, it appears that this three-car accident occurred at a street intersection that is monitored by traffic lights. It is not clear what caused this accident. Did one of the drivers run a red light, fail to yield the right of way, or make an unsafe turn? Officials are still looking into whether one of the drivers was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” The same section also states that it is illegal to operate with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more.

Liability Issues

Drivers who cause accidents while operating under the influence, in addition to facing citations or criminal charges, can also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who represents DUI victims and their families.