Florida residents ideally should be able to trust that other drivers will act responsibly even if only to avoid injury to themselves let alone for the safety and benefit of others. While most people do this, sadly not all are so focused on being safe and careful. When an accident happens, people involved should then be able to trust that justice can be served. An accident that happened roughly two and a half years ago has recently made its way to a criminal trial.
In the crash on Interstate 95, one woman experienced a dissected aorta, broken ribs and a broken neck while a man spent three weeks in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. The accident was caused when the vehicle carrying these two people was rear-ended by a drunk and drugged driver. Upon being hit, their vehicle was pushed into a guardrail and then ricocheted off of that back into traffic, being struck again by another vehicle.
The at-fault driver was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.116 percent. Traces of the active ingredient in marijuana were also found in her system. A jury has convicted her of two third degree felony charges of driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury. She may spend as many as 10 years in prison. A civil lawsuit has also been initiated but the outcome of that is not yet known.
People injured due to the negligence of others might find it helpful to discuss their compensation options with an attorney in Florida.
Source: The St. Augustine Record, “Orlando woman found guilty for role in I-95 wreck that injured two,” Stuart Korfhage, May 25, 2017