The driver that recently caused a drunk driving accident in Florida that resulted in several injuries and a death was arrested on a drug-related DUI charge. The 24-year-old driver allegedly failed to stop his SUV at a red light in a nearby community northeast of Tampa and plowed into the other vehicles that were stopped at the light. The drunk driver did not slow down as he approached the cars parked at the light before striking them.
The alleged drunk driver struck one vehicle with one occupant travelling in it and another with four occupants, all of which were injured. One of the victims died at the hospital and another was in serious condition following the accident. The force of the car accident also caused one of the vehicles that was struck by the drunk driver to hit a third vehicle. Drunk drivers can cause significant harm to victims and catastrophic harm to families.
When a victim has been injured by a drunk driver, there are options available to protect them and to help them with the damages they have suffered and the recovery process. Personal injury damages depend on the unique circumstances of the accident and the injuries and harm the victim has suffered but can include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care costs, lost-earning capacity and pain and suffering damages. The damages stemming from a drunk driving accident can be remarkable which is why significant protections are available to help victims.
While the criminal process also addresses drunk drivers, criminal charges can be used to establish negligence to further protect victims from the damages they have suffered at the hands of a drunk driver. It is important that victims of a drunk driving accident are aware of the resources available to them and their rights when injured by a drunk driver.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, “FHP: Driver arrested on DUI charge in crash near Disney that killed 15-year-old,” Christal Hayes, May 7, 2016
