Drunk driving is dangerous. There are few things more frightening than an accident involving a drunk driver. If you're involved in an accident due to the recklessness of a driver under the influence, you need to be prepared and know that you are entitled to compensation for your losses; such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Things may seem simple enough. After all, the person under the influence is definitely the one at fault, right? The fact of the matter is things are never as simple as they seem. While it is true that nobody should be driving while under the influence, drunk driving cases can pose unique challenges that can be difficult to address. Therefore, it is always a good idea to hire an experienced car accident attorney if you are involved in a drunk driving accident.
However, the lucky ones are the ones who live through a DUI related accident to hire an attorney. Things don't always turn out so well.
Jeffery Michael Parenti, a 44 year-old man of Port Orange went to trial for driving under the influence. Prosecutors said Parenti has a long history of traffic offenses, and was put on trial for the DUI death of his girlfriend after crashing his motorcycle, in the city of Port Orange on Oct. 29th, 2010. The case, however, was declared a mistrial because an expert witness had a medical emergency and trial was re-scheduled to commence sometime in August.
Parenti was charged with DUI causing death, driving on a suspended or revoked license causing death and vehicular homicide of Port Orange waitress, Linda Kolar. According to police reports, Parenti had drugs in his system when he failed to negotiate a turn while driving "at a high rate of speed". A toxicology report later confirmed that Parenti had in his system, methamphetamine and amphetamine as well as cocaine. Parenti's rate of speed was so high that his motorcycle tumbled end over end before coming a stop.
Parenti was wearing a helmet and survived the crash, but his girlfriend was not so lucky. Kolar was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe injuries. She was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center where she died the following day.
Aside from his long history of traffic offenses, Parenti's record also showed convictions for possession of cocaine.
This is an extreme example, but unfortunately it happens way too often. Those lucky enough to make it through a DUI accident need to be prepared and hire a good lawyer. A good attorney can help in many different ways. They can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, obtain evidence and witness statements, gather police reports, negotiate settlements with insurance companies and failing that, take your case to court.
The point is, if you're involved in an accident where there is a driver under the influence, you will need all the help you can get. An attorney can improve your chances of a favorable judgment should your case require court intervention. So if you are involved in such an accident, get a good lawyer. There is no reason not to.