Former Mayor Sued After DUI Crash Injures Four Cheerleaders

Mayor failed a sobriety test soon after collision in Riverside County

The former mayor of a Riverside County city is being sued by four cheerleaders who were injured when the former mayor’s vehicle crashed into their car, according to NBC Southern California. The mayor failed a field sobriety test soon after the allegedly drunk accident. The girls received moderate to major injuries and one of the victims’ injuries are serious enough that they may prevent her from returning to cheerleading. The mayor resigned soon after the crash, although he has since been re-elected as a councilman.

Four teenagers injured

According to the lawsuit filed in Riverside County Superior Court, the four teenagers, aged 14 to 17, were driving home from a pep rally when their car was rear-ended by a full-size vehicle at a stop light. The Los Angeles Times reports that the crash shattered the girls’ car’s back window, jammed the doors shut, and severely damaged the vehicle’s rear section. The car was written off as a result of the crash.

The girls suffered a variety of injuries, some of them major. The worst injured girl suffered a broken neck and has been described as bedridden since the accident, which occurred Oct. 16. While she is still recovering, her attorney says her injuries may prevent her from ever returning to cheerleading.

Failed sobriety test

The driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the teenagers’ car is the now former mayor of a Riverside County city. He was described by police as acting at the scene in a way that was consistent with somebody who was intoxicated. He also failed a field sobriety test and had a blood alcohol content level of 0.08.

The lawsuit accuses the former mayor, who has since been re-elected as a councilman, of disregarding public safety by driving while allegedly intoxicated. They also say that while the mayor released a public apology, he failed to apologize directly to the girls or their mothers. They also contend that even though they were the victims of the former mayor’s behavior, they have nonetheless been vilified by his supporters on social media.

Personal injury

No matter what office they hold, all drivers have a duty to ensure they do not put other motorists in harm’s way when they get behind the wheel. Negligent and reckless behavior, however, such as drunk driving or texting and driving, continue to needlessly make California’s roads and highways dangerous places to be.

Anybody who has been the victim of a negligent driver’s careless actions should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help investigate any claims of negligence that may have caused an accident and can help victims pursue whatever compensation they may be due.