Visalia, CA – James Putnam Arrested for DUI after causing a multi-vehicle collision with Injuries

Visalia, CA (November 1, 2018) – According to authorities, a suspected drunk driver caused a multi-vehicle collision that injured several people including a motorcyclist Wednesday night in Visalia. The accident involving a Chevrolet Silverado was reported to the Visalia Police Department at approximately 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 31st.

According to the initial police report, a total of five accidents transpired in a matter of seven minutes.  All of them involved the same Silverado. The first collision happened on the 1700 Block of S. Garden Street the vehicle reportedly crashed into a mailbox and fled the scene. The second crash took place near Garden Street and Walnut Avenue, the third accident occurred in the area of Ben Maddox Way and Tulare Avenue. The fourth incident happened just north of Ben Maddox Way.  The fifth and final accident that took place was near Ben Maddox Way and Ferguson Avenue.

Investigators have confirmed that the driver fled the scene in each and every one of these incidents. The suspect in the Silverado was eventually stopped by a group of people that witnessed the string of accidents and a confrontation ensued in which the suspect was restrained from leaving the scene.  This group of citizens was able to stop the man from fleeing the scene after the fifth collision. According to first responders, injured parties were able to seek medical aid and paramedics transported a motorcycle rider to a local hospital for more in-depth treatment of injuries sustained upon impact of the collision. Authorities have identified the driver as James Putnam, who is a 72-year-old resident of Visalia. Putnam was taken to the Tulare County Adult Pre-trial facility.  He is facing several criminal charges that include Felony DUI and Felony Hit-and-Run.

At this time, this incident remains under investigation. As more evidence continues to surface, more information will be available to public sources.

We wish the injured victims strength and courage during this time and hope for a full recovery.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in California

Drivers who are involved in a motor vehicle accident are required by the law to stay at the accident scene and cooperate with the police.  Leaving the scene of an accident, especially when an injury is involved is considered a criminal act that can often result in serious criminal charges, including felony hit-and-run.

Police will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the multiple hit-and-run accidents.  Police will evaluate all aspects of the accident scene, speak with any eyewitnesses that may have witnessed the accident, and sometimes, even check surveillance videos from businesses that are located near where the accident transpired.

If you or someone that you love has been injured in a hit-and-run accident or any other accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation.  Make sure that you speak with a qualified and skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your accident and find out if you have a claim.  Call the Brady Law Group today at  (866) 211-2562 to speak with a skilled lawyer about your claim today.  We will work to ensure that your rights are protected.

 Note: Outside sources were used in the creation of this post including news bulletins and first-hand accounts of the accident and injuries involved. As a result, the details of the accident presented have not been independently verified by our own writing staff. If you have identified any false information in the story, please inform us immediately, and we will adjust the posting to reflect the most accurate content available.

Disclaimer: As a member of the local community, we at Brady Law Group strive to improve the overall safety and quality of life for everyone who lives in our beloved state. We are extremely saddened by these accidents but hope that, through an awareness of these dangers, those in our community will take precautions to avoid these accidents. This is not a solicitation for business, and this information should not be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We wish only the best and quickest recovery to all those involved in the accident.