Five people were injured, three of them seriously, in a Bakersfield car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Californian, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of White Lane and Akers Road, the morning of January 22, 2012. Officials say a green Saturn coupe driven by a 34-year-old driver was eastbound on White Lane when it failed to stop for a red light. The Saturn broadsided a Pontiac G6. Three people in the Pontiac sustained major injuries, while two occupants in the Saturn suffered moderate injuries. The driver of the Saturn is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

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

Bakersfield DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 163 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Bakersfield. In Kern County as a whole, DUI collisions during the same year claimed the lives of 61 people and injured 450.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, the driver of the Saturn was not only under the influence, but also ran a red light at the intersection. 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."
It is a serious traffic violation to run a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Car accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A knowledgeable accident attorney will also be able to explain how the victims' auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

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