Police arrested a man from Bradenton on DUI charges after he lost control of his tractor-trailer, colliding with four other vehicles.
The accident occurred just after 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22 on Rutland Road, south of Oak Knoll Road in East Manatee. According to troopers, the 21-year-old truck driver was driving his tractor-trailer north on Rutland. As he reached a curve in the road, he left the lane and went onto the southbound section of the road, getting in the way of oncoming traffic.
While he managed to avoid a head-on collision, the left side of the tractor-trailer hit a truck trailer, pickup and two SUVs in the south lane before he left the road entirely, into a wooded shoulder on the side of the highway.
All of the occupants in the four vehicles were uninjured, and they stopped their cars on the right shoulder. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, and was determined to have been under the influence.
DUIs and civil liability
People who are injured in auto accidents caused by a drunk driver can use criminal convictions against that driver in their personal injury claims. A criminal conviction or citation for drunk driving serves as proof of liability on the part of the driver, meaning the injured party in the accident will be able to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh to proceed with your case.