If a person can walk away from the scene of an accident after being involved in a car crash with a drunk driver, they can count themselves very fortunate. Drunk driving accidents are often very serious, as a drunk person is not in control of their mental faculties, certainly cannot drive safely and often do not even know they were responsible for a crash. Unfortunately, many people involved in drunk driving accidents are not so lucky, as one recent incident in Florida demonstrates.
A 21-year-old man who caused a fatal hit-and-run accident is currently facing charges of DUI manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle without a license and fleeing an accident scene. Moreover, he cannot believe that his actions led to the victim’s death, stating that he believed the accident “wasn’t that bad.” The victim was the child of a Palm Beach County deputy.
The accident began when the man crashed into the victim’s vehicle. The man fled the scene of the accident, without notifying anyone or seeking aid for the crash victim. Police found him hiding under someone’s automobile. When police apprehended the man, he reportedly smelled of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot. Police also reportedly uncovered a cup that smelled of alcohol at the accident scene. The man’s driver’s license had expired in March of last year.
While it remains to be seen what will happen to the man as far as his criminal charges are concerned, it is also important to remember that if a person is in a car crash with a drunk driver, the victim can not only press criminal charges, but they may also be able to pursue a lawsuit against the drunk driver. Driving while intoxicated breaches a driver’s duty to operate their motor vehicle with due care. Those who have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver are encouraged to seek the advice they need to determine if they can pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: Sun Sentinel, “Man accused of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed son of sheriff’s deputy,” Yaremi Farinas, Aug. 22, 2017
