A 29-year-old Fallbrook man suspected to be under the influence of alcohol lost control of his 1986 Isuzu on South Mission Road Thursday night and crashed head-on with a 1985, causing major injury to the other driver, the California Highway Patrol reported. The suspected drunk driver, Jose Gaspar, was also driving without a license when he struck the victim, Archie A. Barnes, 45, of Fallbrook.
The accident occurred at about 7:25 p.m. April 1, 2010 on South Mission Road, north of Via Monserate. Gaspar was driving south at about 45 mph when he collided with Barnes' vehicle in the northbound lane. Barnes' vehicle overturned as a result of the collision. Barnes sustained major injuries, including a broken left femur, and was taken to Palomar Hospital. Gaspar took off on foot, but was apprehended and arrested shortly after the accident. He sustained moderate injuries and was booked in the Vista Jail on charges of felony driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and felony hit-and-run.
We wish Barnes the best for a full and speedy recovery following this completely preventable accident. Please keep him in your prayers.
Fault & Liability Issues
It is against the law to drive under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). In cases such as this one, the victim and his family would be well advised to speak with a San Diego auto accident lawyer experienced in handling drunk driving injury accidents. If the at-fault driver was not insured or underinsured, as he may have been since he was driving without a license, an attorney can also help the victim understand how his own car insurance policy may apply to this accident.
Sources: Fallbrook Bonsall Village News
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