A recent drunk driving accident in Tampa left three people critically injured. Authorities reported the accident occurred in the early morning hours and closed one of Tampa’s busiest streets. According to authorities, a drunk driver ran a red light and struck two other vehicles. The drivers of the two vehicles that were struck in the drunk driving accident, a 48-year-old man and 64-year-old woman, were in serious condition following the accident. A third victim was in critical condition following the drunk driving accident.
Drunk driving accidents can unexpectedly and, in some circumstances, permanently alter the world of victims and their families. Drunk driving accidents can be significantly damaging for victims who can suffer serious injuries in a drunk driving accident requiring medical care and treatment. Victims may suffer medical expenses, lost earnings while they recover and pain and suffering damages associated with the trauma of the drunk driving accident and its aftermath.
A drunk driver is generally considered a negligent driver and may be liable to compensate victims they have harmed for the physical, financial and emotional damages suffered. A criminal conviction can commonly be used as evidence of negligence and may be used to establish the liability of the drunk driver for the damages suffered by the victim. Victims may be able to recover medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering damages from the drunk driver responsible for the accident.
Important legal protections are in place for victims of drunk drivers. Because of the unquestionably serious nature of a drunk driving accident, and the negative impact they can have on victims and their families, it is important for victims to be familiar with the legal protections available to them. Personal injury legal options help victims through the challenges they face following a drunk driving accident.
Source: Wfla.com, “Dale Mabry reopened after early morning DUI crash,” Dec. 21, 2016
