Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

Two residents of Yuba County suffered major injuries early Friday morning in a suspected alcohol-related crash near Forbestown, the Appeal Democrat reported. The major injury accident occurred on Challenge Cut Off Road north of La Porte Road at about 12:25 a.m. According to news reports, the driver, Andrew Fiske, 21, of Browns Valley, was driving a 1992 Mazda Miata northbound on Challenge Cut Off Road when he took a left curb too quickly and lost control of his vehicle. The Miata went off the road and overturned multiple times down a hill for about 100 feet. Fiske was ejected from the vehicle and suffered major injuries. His passenger, David Zabala, 42, of Loma Rica, also suffered major injuries. Fiske was taken to Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville and Zabala was taken to Oroville Hospital. Fiske was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury.

Cause of the Crash

Although the cause of the September 10th accident remains under investigation by the CHP, if news reports are accurate, this crash was almost certainly caused by the suspected drunk driver. Under 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."

DUI Accidents and Passenger Injury Liability

If Fiske is determined to be responsible for causing this major injury accident, in addition to criminal charges, he may be liable for the injuries sustained by his passenger as a result of this accident. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of the injured passenger would be well-advised to consult with a northern California drunk driving accident lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented dozens of seriously injured passengers of alcohol-related accidents can advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their rights and help the victim recover the maximum compensation he may be entitled to for his injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.