[12-10-2025] Orange County, CA – Eight Students Injured After Driver Veers Onto Sidewalk at North Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim

Eight high school track athletes were injured when a driver suspected of DUI veered onto a sidewalk and struck them in Anaheim on Wednesday afternoon, December 10, 2025.

The collision occurred around 2:55 p.m. on the southwest corner of North Harbor Boulevard and North Street, less than a mile from Anaheim High School. The students had been waiting for the light to change during their run when they were hit by a Toyota Corolla driven by 27-year-old resident Anthony Alva-Palafox.

According to the preliminary investigation by the Anaheim Police Department, Alva-Palafox was southbound on Harbor Boulevard at North Street, facing a green light, when his vehicle went off the roadway, onto the sidewalk, and struck the group. Seven of the students were transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The students, aged 16 and 17, were accompanied by their coach, who had been running behind them.

Alva-Palafox was also injured and taken to a hospital. Sgt. Matt Sutter said the driver showed signs of intoxication, and officers had probable cause to believe he was operating the vehicle unsafely due to intoxication. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Toyota was impounded, and investigators sought a search warrant to examine the vehicle. Sutter said speed and other factors contributed to the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Orange County, CA

When a driver suspected of DUI injures pedestrians, the aftermath can be overwhelming. These cases often involve serious injuries, complex investigations, and multiple parties, including law enforcement, insurance companies, and medical providers.

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Orange County understand how California law handles collisions involving impaired drivers. We can assist you in reviewing police reports, communicating with insurance companies, and organizing key documents related to the crash and your injuries.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a DUI-related accident, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After a DUI-Related Pedestrian Accident

Injured individuals involved in a crash with a suspected impaired driver can take certain steps to help preserve important information and support the investigation.

1. Call 911 And Request Emergency Assistance
   Emergency responders will assess the injuries, secure the scene, and prepare an official report to document the incident.
2. Take Photos of the Scene
   If it’s safe, take pictures of the road, sidewalks, car damage, debris, and lighting conditions. These images can help show how the accident occurred.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash or its aftermath. Witnesses can provide information that can be important to the investigation.
4. Keep All Relevant Records
   Save copies of medical bills, police reports, and insurance papers. These documents may be important later if you need to file a claim.
5. Consult With DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   DUI accident lawyers in Orange County can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and explore your options. Legal support can also handle the communications with the involved parties, allowing you to focus on recovery.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of alcohol continues to be a serious safety issue in the United States. In 2023, the National Safety Council recorded 12,429 deaths from alcohol-related crashes. This represents a 7.6% decrease compared with 2022 and marks the second consecutive year that fatalities have fallen, suggesting progress in efforts to reduce impaired driving.

A crash is considered alcohol-impaired when at least one driver or motorcyclist has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter or more. This is the legal limit in most states, and driving above it is both unsafe and against the law.