Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver in Berkeley - March 10, 2009

A 59 year old woman was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver last night in Berkeley. The accident took place at the intersection of Adeline and Harmon streets. The driver, Jesse Donald Kelly, 42, of Oakland reportedly stopped after the accident and cooperated with police. Ironically, March is "Pedestrian Safety Month" in Berkeley. There were 109 accidents involving pedestrians last year in Berkeley. Berkeley is - compared to other cities of the same size - the most dangerous city in California as far as pedestrian accidents.

The victim - to this point unidentified - was transported to Highland Hospital where she died.

The driver was taken to Santa Rita and is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Sadly, drunk driving accidents are not a rarity. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, the driver may face both criminal and civil liability.

Pete Clancy is a personal injury attorney with offices in Oakland, Milpitas, San Jose and Walnut Creek. He can be contacted at pclancy@injuryoakland.com