[12-13-2022] San Diego County, CA – Intoxicated Driver Struck Head-On with Patrol Car and Injured Officer in Oceanside

A DUI driver struck a patrol car and injured an officer in Oceanside early Tuesday morning, December 13, 2022.

The collision reportedly occurred around 1:35 a.m. on Vista Way in the 1200 block near South Moreno Street.

According to authorities, an officer observed traffic from a patrol car parked in the center median when a white Kia Optima sedan exiting westbound state Route 78 lost control and hit the police car.

The impact triggered the airbags in both vehicles and pushed the patrol vehicle forty feet from where it was parked.

Fire and smoke erupted from the engine compartment following the accident.

The officer exited the damaged patrol car and attempted to release the Kia’s driver, who was trapped in the vehicle. A resident assisted him in opening one of Kia’s doors with a crowbar.

The officer was brought to a nearby hospital for minor injuries, and the driver was sent to Scripps La Jolla Hospital with scrapes and bruises from the collision.

The 35-year-old driver, Jonathan S., was detained on charges of felony driving under the influence, causing bodily harm.

According to authorities, he was on probation for driving under the influence.

Alcohol bottles were found inside the Kia, the driver showed indications of intoxication at the scene.

DUI Collision Statistics

As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 individuals per day, or one every 45 minutes, lose their lives in drunk driving accidents in the United States.

In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in traffic accidents caused by drunk driving, up 14% from the previous year.

According to the California DUI Management Information System, alcohol-related collision deaths increased by 5.8% in 2017 after rising by 6.9% in 2016.

There are risks associated with drunk driving for drivers, other road users, and the environment. Each year, drunk drivers waste 2 billion gallons of fuel by driving irresponsibly.

Given these data, it is evident that everyone should keep a close eye on their drinking habits and never drive after exceeding suggested alcohol limits.

DUI Accident Victims’ Lawyers in Oceanside

Accidents resulting in life-threatening injuries typically leave victims with medical bills and time away from work. Victims may experience psychological distress in addition to physical pain.

Obtaining compensation and filing a claim might take time and be complicated. When pressed by an insurance company, you need legal representation to safeguard your rights. Your claim may be denied, or the driver’s liability reduced based on the information gathered.

Our DUI accident lawyers for victims in Oceanside are committed to conducting an investigation as soon as feasible. We employ tried-and-true legal techniques with insurance companies to guarantee that losses are estimated appropriately during settlement.

Our firm has secured more than $750 million for clients nationwide. As a law firm with over a decade of expertise, our lawyers have experience giving sound legal advice.

To talk with one of our reputable attorneys, call us at (888) 488-1391 or use our website’s “Do I Have A Case?” form on our website.