A drunk driver crashed her car in Costa Mesa Saturday, while her three children were in the vehicle.
The accident happened at about 8 p.m. on Laguna Canyon Rd. Abigail Wilson, 31-years-old, was headed into the town of Laguna Beach when her vehicle crossed into oncoming lanes and struck another vehicle.
According to Sergeant Louise Callus, two of Ms. Wilson's three children were injured and taken to Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach.
Ms. Wilson was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and willful cruelty to a child.
Her children were taken to Orangewood Children's Home after no one came forward to claim them. The children's father is a registered sex offender who lives in Arizona.
Speak with a Santa Monica personal injury attorney at McGee, Lerer and Associates if you have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver. Attorneys Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer are experienced in representing victims of drunk driving accidents.
Collect Punitive Damages Against a Drunk Driver
It may be possible to collect punitive damages from a drunk driver. The law requires that you prove by clear and convincing evidence that the drunk driver engaged in despicable conduct that was carried out with a willful and conscious disregard of the safety of others. For example, recovery of punitive damages would be warranted if you can prove that the other driver was an alcoholic, had previously caused an accident while under the influence of alcohol, and had a prior conviction for drunk driving. In such a case, the could infer that the driver was completely aware of the possible consequences of his conduct.