Law enforcement typically catches up with hit-and-run drivers, even if it takes some investigation. Following an accident that caused critical injuries to a Florida woman, the driver fled the scene, but Florida Highway Patrol arrested him after they came upon his broken-down car. According to a crash report, the accident occurred shortly before midnight on a recent Wednesday.
According to troopers, the 38-year-old man was heading north along U.S. Highway 41 near Brandon. They allege he was driving under the influence at high speed when he smashed into the rear of another northbound car. The impact caused the other vehicle to crash into a concrete barrier.
The 33-year-old woman who was the driver of that car suffered critical injuries. However, the driver who caused the accident allegedly failed to remain at the crash scene. He drove off, but his car broke down a short distance from the accident scene. According to detectives, he was arrested and now faces charges of leaving a crash scene that involved severe injuries, DUI property damage and DUI injury.
Regardless of the criminal case’s outcome against this alleged DUI hit-and-run driver, the crash victim is entitled to pursue financial relief through the Florida civil justice system. This case would likely be more straightforward than it would have been if the negligent driver remained at large. Furthermore, the criminal charges might make it easier to prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. Documented claims for adjudication by the court could include all the victim’s medical and other crash-related expenses, lost income and also any emotional damage like pain and suffering.
