Even though drunk driving is against the law, many drivers tragically succumb to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. When accidents happen, the consequences are serious. And there is no special treatment for celebrities, either – the dangers of drunk driving transcend social status, age, ethnicity, income level, and so much more. In other words, a drunken driving accident does not play favorites – anyone can be affected.  That’s why it comes as no surprise that Matt Bush, Tampa Bay Rays’ pitcher and former San Diego Padres top draft pick in 2004, is making unfavorable headlines this week for an alleged DUI car accident that injured a 72-year-old motorcyclist, reminding San Diego that drunk driving is serious no matter who you are – celebrity or not.

As USA Today reports, the motorcyclist, Anthony Tufano, was seriously injured as he got ran over by Bush’s SUV in a drunk driving accident. Tufano was immediately transported to a local hospital where he was treated for several major catastrophic injuries. While he was listed in critical condition, his family is optimistic about his recovery.

“They are just trying to keep him healing and resting,” Moore said. “We are optimistic. It’s going to be a long road.”

Following the injury accident, Bush was arrested last Thursday on seven serious charges including hit-and-run accident, property damage and a DUI – all while driving on a suspended license.

In accidents such as these, the stakes are tragically high – both emotionally and financially. There’s no doubt that Tufano will face months of recovery including physical therapy and dependence on pain medication. The monumental hospital bills will cost him “hundreds of thousands” according to the news source.

The family believes that Bush and his teammate passenger Brandon Guyer are responsible for the DUI car accident.

Above the limit: drunk driving in San Diego

Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. Don’t risk your life or the life of others by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Consider buying a prepaid taxi before drinking, designating a sober driver, or even being a responsible host and limiting alcohol an hour before the party ends.

Drunk driving is one of the top 25 causes of car accidents in San Diego. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was intoxicated, you have legal rights that you may be entitled to. Call the Law Offices of Michael Pines at 1-800-655-6585 for a no-cost legal consultation. We fight hard to get our clients the maximum financial recovery that they are entitled to. Don’t talk to the insurance company until you talk to us. As experienced personal injury lawyers in San Diego, we know that insurance agencies are not looking out for your best interest – but we are. Call us today or submit the details of your case online.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

Car accident injuries of any kind are unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. When an accident is avoidable, the stakes are even more tragic for families and loved ones who must live with the repercussions of a bad decision.

In a case out of San Diego, a woman who admitted she was driving under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamines was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison Wednesday. Deanna Fridley, 27, lost control over her SUV and crashed into another vehicle, killing the driver and all three passengers inside.

Accidents involving drugs and alcohol are some of the most heartbreaking cases since many of them end in debilitating injury and even wrongful death.

Fridley, who could have avoided the accident had she not been drinking and driving, agreed to a plea deal agreeing to four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. �For the first time since the San Diego car accident, the young woman apologized to the family of the killed victims.

“I’m very sorry for all the pain the families have been put through,” Fridley said in court. “I pray the Lord comforts you. … I’m sorry.”

Fridley has already served four years in custody for the wrongful death car accident.

“If you gave a year in jail for each life you have destroyed, you would be in jail for a lifetime,” said one of the surviving family members. “You didn’t just take those four lives. … Our lives have been destroyed forever. We will never be able to fill that hole that my brother and Rubi left.”

Know the law, avoid a car accident

Most people know that drunk driving and driving under the influence of any substance is illegal throughout the United States. But despite common knowledge, many DUI car accidents in San Diego still happen. Get to know the law surrounding alcohol impairment behind the wheel – even if you think you might be OK to drive, stay on the safe side and get a taxi or a designated driver instead. It’s never OK to drive and face the high risk of accident and injury.

California law says that a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more constitutes drunk driving. As far as how much alcohol exactly contributes to a blood alcohol level of 0.08% depends on the person – various height and weight differences can contribute greatly to each individual’s alcohol tolerance.

The safest rule of thumb is to arrange for a taxi cab or designated driver well ahead of time. If you know drinks are going to be served, stay on the right side of the law and do not get behind the wheel. The old saying, “Better safe than sorry” is truly applicable: don’t risk your life or the life of another person by driving drunk.

If you have been injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was intoxicated, the Law Offices of Michael Pines can help. Call us today at 1-800-655-6585 for a free and confidential legal evaluation of your case.

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About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

The affects of a drunk driving car accident are far-reaching, and injured victims are reminded of the horrific ordeal for the rest of their lives. Though the law states that drunk driving is illegal, there are many drivers who defy the law and get behind the wheel intoxicated.

In a case out of Rancho Bernardo, a driver who slammed into the back of a young woman’s vehicle evaded prison last week even though he had a blood alcohol level of 0.15 – a number that quadruples the legal limit in California.

Instead, Brian LaRose was ordered to spend one year in a work furlough – a program that allows him to work during the day and go to jail at night.

But many San Diegans have fairly wondered: is the sentence enough?

The question comes in wake of the serious injuries inflicted upon Heidi Wise, 19, who sustained a brain injury accident among countless other injuries, as the drunk driver slammed his vehicle into hers as she was waiting for a traffic light. The injuries were so far reaching, the young woman says she does not recall the month before or after the car accident in Rancho Bernardo.

Although Deputy District Attorney Chandelle Konstanzer argued that LaRose should serve a prison sentence of five years, the victim’s family said they would accept a work furlough sentence.

The judge overseeing the case noted the defendant’s clean record and LaRose’s willingness to plead guilty to charges of DUI causing injury, also admitting an allegation that he drove with a blood-alcohol level above 0.15 percent.

“It’s a terrible case sir,” the judge told the defendant.”You have no idea how fortunate you are.” He added: “I’m astounded that she survived.” The judge also explained to the defendant and the court that drunk driving is indeed preventable – a fact that should never be ignored.

Konstanzer argued that LaRose was an “extreme danger” to society, but the work furlough sentence prevailed, leaving many San Diegans wondering if the sentence was enough.

DUI car accident injury in Rancho Bernardo

Though there are legal consequences associated with drunk driving, injuries can last a lifetime unlike a prison sentence or a work furlough program. If you have been injured in a DUI car accident, you have legal options available to you. Many injured people deal with a lifetime of pain, in addition to piling medical bills, missed work, and a reduced quality of life.

If you are injured in a car accident, and suspect the other driver was intoxicated, call the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC at 1-800-655-6585 for a free legal consultation. There are no out of pocket expenses to speak with us. We work hard to seek maximum financial recovery for your injuries.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

December calls for festivities like office parties, Christmas parties and Chanukah celebrations – and, of course, as most holiday partygoers can attest to, it’s not uncommon for alcoholic beverages to be served. But despite the public’s best efforts, San Diego car accidents are still reported every holiday season. In Lemon Grove, a local man is in custody after two people were killed in a car accident Friday after he drove home from a work-related Christmas party allegedly intoxicated, 10 News reports.

The accident occurred on Route 125 in La Mesa, south of I-8 according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said that Justin Foulds, 39, was under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred. Foulds was driving a Chevy Silverado during rush hour traffic when he collided with a Nissan Pathfinder. The crash caused a chain-reaction effect, resulting in a four-car crash and the wrongful death of two people.

“Traffic was merging… we were down to about five miles an hour and that’s the last thing I remember,” said driver Billy Ramirez, who was involved in the crash. “We got hit from the rear end. As soon as there was impact, there [were] flames.”

The driver and passenger in the Pathfinder were not able to get out of their vehicle after it erupted in flames and they died at the scene of the accident. Their identities have not been released.

“It was extremely hot,” said one witness to 10 News. “You could feel the heat radiating… around the area, so it was not even going to be feasible to get to those people.”

One explosion was reported as a result of the blazing fire.  ”It was like somebody punched you in the chest and you knew that it was close and it was loud so, I thought we were being attacked,” the witness said. “I know it’s silly and I run out and then… see nothing but flames just arching up and then people running.”

Foulds was not hurt in the San Diego injury accident.”He was oblivion to what he was doing until he completely smashed into another car…From what I could see, he stumbled out and was immediately hauled off by CHP,” said CHP Officer Lieres. The alleged drunk driver faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Safe driving this holiday season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but not when accidents happen. Consider the following tips when hosting your next holiday party. And while it goes without saying, never drink and drive even when you think you’re okay after a few drinks.

Remove alcohol from the party an hour before it ends

Replace alcoholic drinks with sodas and bottled water an hour before the party is due to wrap up. Keep out protein-rich snacks like meat and cheese so your guests are more inclined to fill up on food rather than their alcoholic beverage.

Take keys away if you have to

It may feel awkward to take away a guest’s keys, but if you sense your guest has overindulged, don’t be shy to hide keys and call a taxi instead. You can chalk up the lost keys to an oversight or party faux pas, and your guest will be none-the-wiser. Sometimes, it’s up to the party host to take charge and prevent San Diego’s next injury accident.

If you do serve alcohol, serve it responsibly

Be sure to only serve alcohol to guests over the age of 21. Take your host duties a step further by including measuring tools like jiggers and shot glasses so partygoers are not tempted to overfill their party cups.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC

The Law Offices of Michael Pines helps injured people in San Diego seek maximum financial recovery. If you have been injured in a car accident, and suspect the other driver was under the influence, call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a free and confidential legal review.  We’ll answer your legal questions free of charge. Call us now or submit your case online.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

San Diego Mesa College students learn a lesson in a safe way. // PHOTO: San Diego Mesa College

Many people learn through their mistakes – but it’s often through mistakes where lessons are learned the hardest. But what if you could make a mistake – virtually – and learn from the experience without the burden of any negative consequence?

Students at San Diego Mesa College have gotten to do just that after the San Diego Police and Fire Departments held a mock DUI arrest and virtual death after students underwent a simulated drunken drive. The initiative is due in part to the 13,000 deaths related to DUIs every year.

Interested students watched with their jaws dropped as the San Diego Fire Department gave a live demonstration of the Jaws of Life, a spectacular hydraulic rescue tool that cuts, rams, busts, and wields doors open after a catastrophic drunk driving accident occurs and an injured person must be rescued.

“I thought it was really interesting, it made me realize a lot,” said Sophomore Alba Islas.

The demonstration, however, was not without its more poignant moments as Monica Zech, a Public Information Officer in El Cajon, spoke to students about her accident which was caused by reckless driving. After the accident, Zech underwent a $65,000 surgery to help her become mobile again.

“I really don’t drink but it’s still good to see and be aware of these things,” said Sophomore Caroline Andrade.

SDPD asked students to undergo a field sobriety test and handcuffed students after they engaged in the mock DUI arrest. In addition to the dangers of drunk driving, students learned about traffic violations and ticketing. “I’m here to let them have an idea of what we do,” said Officer Gabriel Espiritu. “I wanted them to undergo what the impaired driver does.”

Officer Amalia Sidhu added: “I’m helping to bring awareness of what alcohol does to the body.”

Teen driving & DUIs

Not every student is fortunate enough to undergo simulated drunk driving initiatives – but parents can help reduce DUIs in their household by enforcing their own “rules and regulations” for their teen and/or young adult drivers. Start by downloading your free parent/teen driving contract and outline the rules for reckless and drunk driving. Then, consider the following suggestions as you write your contract:

Consequences clearly defined

Discuss the consequences if a negative event occurs: speeding or traffic violations, accidents, or damaging a vehicle.

Contract length

There will be a time when your teen will finally have to be responsible for their driving on their own, without intervention from parents. Make sure to determine how long the contract will last; you may consider keeping the contract valid until your new driver exists his teenage years.

An open-door policy in asking for help

Teens will be teens, so if a mistake does happen, and underage drinking occurs, allow your teen an opportunity to call you when s/he needs to. Discuss consequences later; let your teen know you have an open-door policy if s/he runs into a troubling situation. It’s better to invite your teen to call you if an emergency presents itself rather than risk a car accident.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC

As specialists in car accident injury, the law firm is dedicated to helping injured people collect maximum financial recovery. A car accident injury resulting from a DUI can be a complex case and our law firm can answer your legal questions for free.  Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for your free legal evaluation.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.