On February 11th, 2023, an alleged driver under the influence attempted to flee from the Simi Valley Police Department. However, this driver ended up crashing into parked cars, allowing the police to apprehend the subject. The incident began when police officers working a DUI saturation patrol noticed a car speeding 86 mph close to Tapo Canyon Road on Becky Street. The incident happened close to Cochran Street and Los Angeles Avenue.
An officer tried to catch up to the suspect while broadcasting the incident. A pursuit was then launched near Sequoia and Royal avenues. The short chase came to an end when the driver rammed into two parked cars at Elizondo Avenue and Hollister Street. The driver, a 32-year-old male Simi Valley resident, tried fleeing on foot but was unsuccessful.
The man was taken into custody and charged with a felony for evading a misdemeanor for an alcohol-related DUI, and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest. He was treated for injuries and held in jail with a bail of $110,000.
Fortunately, in this particular case, the driver didn’t physically harm anyone besides himself. However, the situation could have been a lot worse, and the driver should still be held responsible for the two parked cars he damaged. Intoxicated driving is one of the top reasons why car crashes happen, even though usually there’s not a police chase.
Unfortunately, when under the influence, people can behave differently than they normally would. Drunk driving itself is an action that most people wouldn’t consider when sober. After consuming one too many drinks, however, it can suddenly sound like a good idea.
Following a crash due to another person’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation. Compensation can cover immediate needs with a specific monetary value, like medical bills, property damage, paying for transportation, and more. However, compensation can also cover more subjective factors like emotional distress, pain and suffering, reduced enjoyment of life, and more.
In the case of a driver driving while under the influence and trying to evade police, if they did end up harming another person, then a victim and their family would most likely qualify for punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are used to punish an offending party further, while economic and non-economic damages are used to make a victim “whole and complete.”
Unfortunately, even when there’s clear evidence that the offending party did wrong and acted out of negligence, obtaining a settlement that properly covers your immediate and future needs can be challenging. An attorney can step in and help a victim navigate a case’s legal complexities. The right attorney can help you or your loved one gather the necessary evidence and handle negotiations with the insurance companies, or whoever else might be involved. An attorney can also give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other matters while your Simi Valley, CA personal injury lawyer settles any legal hurdles. Calling Barry P. Goldberg today can help get you started.
