Five people were injured in an apparent DUI-related crash early this morning. According to a report by the Orange County Register, Huntington Beach police were summoned at about 1:30 a.m. because of a traffic collision with injuries on Beach Boulevard near Newman Avenue. According to the news report, citing the preliminary investigation, the driver of a Toyota Camry, identified as Forrest Leland Kelly, 22, was traveling north on Beach Boulevard when he broadsided a Dodge Durango going the opposite direction. The driver of the Dodge, identified as 28-year-old Thomas William Barrett, of Costa Mesa, had three passengers inside and was preparing to make a U-turn at Newman Avenue when the collision occurred. The impact was severe and caused the Dodge to overturn in the roadway. Paramedics transported the five people with injuries, including Kelly, to local hospitals, where they were all listed in stable condition.
Kelly, from Huntington Beach, later was arrested on suspicion of DUI, police said. According to a check of the Orange County Superior Court website, Kelly has a history of traffic and alcohol related priors, including a pending public intoxication charge. Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to call the H.B. Police Department's traffic bureau at 714-536-5666.
See the Orange County Register article HERE.
It remains to be seen how badly those in the Dodge were injured and exactly what charges may be brought against Kelly. Assuming the preliminary report is correct and he was driving while intoxicated, Kelly could be charged with a felony. Aside from his criminal reponsibility, Kelly may be liable for the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Dodge that overturned in the accident. If it is proven Kelly was driving while intoxicated, and that accounted for the collision, he could be responsible for not only compensatory damages (pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.), but punitive damages as well.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a drunk driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving intoxicated drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Its good that the police caught the suspect.
ReplyDeleteChristina @ Personal Injury Accidents