Every state in the country makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but every day, thousands of drivers take to the roads when they are impaired and a threat to the safety of themselves and others. When these drivers are caught, they may face fines, a suspended driver’s license, or even time in prison or jail, depending on the offense, the severity of the incident and the laws that govern the driver’s behavior.
Even though California is home to numerous celebrities, it still has laws that apply to everyone, including laws against driving under the influence of drugs. This is a lesson that veteran actor Chris Kattan is apparently learning the hard way this morning after being arrested yesterday and charged with driving under the influence.
According to authorities, Kattan was driving a 2011 black Mercedes on the highly traveled Ventura Freeway around 2:00 a.m. when he struck a truck that was performing highway maintenance at the time. Fortunately, no workers were inside the truck at the time of the collision and Kattan reportedly was the only one inside the Mercedes. He suffered a bloody nose in the crash but no other apparent injuries and is expected to be fine.
Police responded to the incident and required Kattan to undergo a field sobriety test which the actor allegedly failed. He was then taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence before being released later that day. Officials with the California Highway Patrol indicated that officers suspected Kattan was under the influence of an unknown drug and that the officers are awaiting results of a chemical test before they can confirm their suspicions. There has been no reported word as to how long officials will have to wait for the results of that test.
Kattan, a comedian, is best known for his time on Saturday Night Live between 1996 and 2003 where he portrayed many characters, often based on pop culture references. He also has starred in films like A Night at the Roxbury and Corky Romano with supporting roles in dozens of other films. After being released from custody yesterday, Kattan tweeted a response to concerned fans, indicating that all was fine and that he had been released from custody without bail in the incident.
Fortunately, this incident resulted in only minor injuries to only one person, but when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often that is not the case. Drunk and impaired drivers are responsible for hundreds of car accidents in Chicago every year and even more throughout the state of Illinois.
When an accident is caused by the impairment of another driver, those harmed in the collision may be entitled to seek relief for their damages. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims is the best way to understand whether you may be entitled to relief for your injuries. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer all accident victims a free, no obligation case consultation at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and we are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call. If an accident has left you injured or has claimed the life of your loved one, make sure you have someone on your side. Call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
I-90 Crash Leaves 2 Men Dead, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 10, 2014.
Resource:
Chris Kattan charged with DUI after freeway crash, by Alan Duke, CNN, published February 10, 2014.