How have courts interpreted the doctrine of imminent peril in a collision where an intoxicated driver swerved to avoid a collision?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Bullock, E055532 (Cal. App. 2013):

Defendant relies upon the doctrine of imminent peril to assert that such evidence is insufficient to establish either a violation of the Vehicle Code or general negligence liability: "A person facing a sudden and unexpected emergency situation not caused by that person's own negligence is required only to use the same care and judgment that an ordinarily careful person would use in the same situation, even if it appears later that a different course of action would have been safer." (CALCRIM No. 590; People v.

Page 7

Boulware (1940) 41 Cal.App.2d 268, 269-270 [sudden peril defense considered where defendant, who was under the influence of alcohol, swerved and caused a collision]; People v. Clark (1962) 202 Cal.App.2d 513, 518 [imminent peril instruction appropriate for defense where intoxicated driver's sudden swerve into opposite lane collided with truck].) Defendant argues the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, in addition to driving while under the influence, defendant concurrently committed a separate unlawful act or failed to perform a legal duty.

Other Questions


How have courts interpreted section 1016.5 of the California Immigration Code and how have the courts interpreted the word 'court' in that section? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the interpretation of a federal agency's interpretation of the California Civil Code? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of avoidable consequences and the duty of mitigation damages? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of contributory negligence in a collision where a car is struck by another vehicle? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of self-defense in cases that address other legal doctrines? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine? (California, United States of America)
How has the court interpreted the doctrine of negligent misrepresentation in a medical malpractice case? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted the doctrine of common law in the context of medical malpractice? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted or interpreted the word "or" and "and" in legislation? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.