SANTA ROSA, CA (September 8, 2022) – Charles A. Bernhardy, 37, was arrested for felony DUI and hit-and-run after critically injuring a motorcyclist in Santa Rosa.
The accident occurred Tuesday around 8:54 p.m. on Fountaingrove Parkway and Sedgemore Drive. Bernhardy was arrested the following day when Santa Rosa Police officers arrived at his home.
Witnesses say they saw a tan Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck rear-end a motorcycle, causing a 23-year-old man to be thrown from the bike.
Police found the motorcyclist, also from Santa Rosa, injured on the road. He is reported to have sustained critical, life-threatening injuries.
Reports say that after rear-ending the motorcyclist, Bernhardy continued on in his pickup truck and struck a Honda Accord while dragging the motorcycle underneath the vehicle.
The motorcycle was eventually located about two miles from the scene of the original collision. Bernhardy drove erratically, often on the wrong side of the road, until coming to a stop on Fountaingrove and Mendocino Avenue where he fled, leaving the vehicle behind.
Charles Bernhardy was eventually located and arrested the following morning and booked into Sonoma County Jail.
Liability In Santa Rosa DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Charles Bernhardy’s DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to the injured motorcyclist and his family. We know he is in critical condition and are hoping for him to pull through. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Santa Rosa? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.