Florida crash leads to injury, DUI charge

A Florida man has been charged with driving under the influence and drug possession after colliding with a man and leaving him severely injured. Police say the serious car accident occurred as the victim was standing outside of his truck in the emergency lane of US-27 inspecting unspecified mechanical issues underneath the vehicle's hood. The suspect was traveling in the highway's outside lane. As the suspect continued, he veered out of his lane and entered the emergency zone, slamming into the left rear area of the stopped truck.

After the truck was hit by the suspect's vehicle, it reportedly pushed the victim into a guardrail and pinned him against it. The suspect then stopped his vehicle in front of the truck in the emergency lane. Responders to the accident found him there when they arrived on the scene.

Emergency medical staff eventually arrived at the accident site and freed the 57-year-old victim. He was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility to receive treatment for catastrophic injuries. It is unclear whether he remains at the hospital and what his health status is. The truck's 19-year-old passenger was fortunately not injured in the crash.

The suspect suffered minor injuries and was arrested following the collision. It is unclear whether the 54-year-old man was transported to a jail to await processing or whether he was admitted to a hospital to have his injuries treated.

As many families across Florida know, car accidents can have devastating consequences. Even for those who miraculously survive a serious crash, often medical bills and rehabilitation time make life after an accident difficult and stressful. Fortunately, it is possible to hold a responsible driver accountable for his or her actions, and potentially receive compensation.

Source: Southwest Florida Online, "Clewiston DUI Crash Seriously Injures Man," Nov. 18, 2011