Drunk Driver Hits Child, 2 Adults in Freeport

One child and two adults were injured in an accident in Freeport the afternoon of Monday, May 27. The child had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated and vehicular assault.

According to witnesses at the scene, the impaired motorist had been driving erratically shortly before the crash. Another couple saw the vehicle swerving and weaving in and out of lanes and became concerned — to the point of calling 911. Police arrived at the scene quickly after the accident. A street sign had snapped from the sidewalk and the area had to be shut down for cleanup.

Drunk drivers liable in personal injury claims

In most situations, a person who files a personal injury claim after an auto accident must prove that the defendant’s negligent acts directly caused the accident, making that person liable for the ensuing injuries. However, when a defendant has also been charged with and found guilty of drunk driving, that essentially makes him or her automatically liable in a personal injury claim. Therefore, it removes one of the hurdles to recovering compensation on the part of the plaintiff.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the irresponsible actions of an intoxicated driver, seek the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP. You may have options to seek damages for the injuries and property damage you sustained.