A man from Parrish, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a drunk driving accident that led to the deaths of three teenagers and serious injuries to a fourth.
The man, 35-year-old Brody Catt, was convicted on three counts of driving under the influence-manslaughter, with credit for time already served in county jail. He will also serve concurrent sentences of five years for convictions of DUI-serious bodily injury and 11 months and 29 days each for a pair of convictions of DUI-property damage.
The case stems from an accident that occurred in November 2014. Catt was driving his Dodge Ram when he failed to yield while making a left turn onto County Road 675 in Parrish. He struck a Chevy Impala heading east on the highway. The driver of an Infiniti also attempted to avoid the accident, but struck the truck in its rear.
Catt declined to provide a blood sample at the scene of the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol later obtained a search warrant for a sample. The test showed a blood alcohol content level of .125 percent — well above the legal limit of .08 percent.
Criminal convictions can aid in civil cases
Individuals found guilty of DUI-related charges do not just face criminal penalties — they may also be subject to civil claims. Victims (or their families) may seek compensation from drunk drivers to recoup some of their losses. Typically, the plaintiff in a personal injury claim must prove that the defendant was negligent and therefore liable for the accident, but a conviction of DUI serves as automatic proof of that negligence.
To learn how you can seek compensation after an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, consult a skilled Bradenton attorney with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.