Jury Awards $3.2 Million For Injuries Caused By Drunk Driver
On June 1, 2012, Amy Elliott and Steven Galvan were standing on the sidewalk at the corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Howe Avenue when a drunk driver struck them as they waited to cross the street. After the initial collision, the drunk driver did not stop, but continued to drive several hundred feet before colliding with another vehicle that was stopped at a stop sign. A blood test of the drunk driver would later reveal a .28 percent blood alcohol content. The driver also had a record of two prior DUI convictions and was a certified social worker.
The collision was caught on video by a red light camera located on the opposite side of the intersection. An additional video was recovered from a Sacramento Police Department patrol vehicle that was responding to a 911 call reporting a drunk driver swerving between lanes and nearly striking other vehicles on the road. The 911 caller reported that the drunk driver had already traveled several miles and had passed a number of schools, including Sacramento State University and St. Francis High School, prior to arriving at the Fair Oaks/Howe Avenue intersection. This all occurred between 2:30 and 3 p.m.
As a result of the collision, both Ms. Elliott and Mr. Galvan sustained several debilitating injuries. Although he stayed by Ms. Elliott’s bedside until her ultimate release, Mr. Galvan also incurred severe injury as a result of the collision.
For their injuries, a Sacramento County jury awarded Amy Elliott and Steven Galvan in excess of $3.2 million.
