Sarasota Bradenton International Airport had quite a scare recently when a truck came plowing through the baggage claim area, causing some significant damage. Somehow, only one person was injured: the 40-year-old driver. No one was killed.
Video of the accident, which occurred on Thursday, December 19, has since gone viral, and officials are still trying to figure out exactly how it happened. What’s known is this: at approximately 3 a.m. on the 19th, a white truck came off of U.S. 41 and drove right through a fence, picking up speed before it careened into the baggage claim area. It slammed into a nearby rental car counter, where the vehicle finally came to a stop.
The last flight for the night had just gotten in about a half hour earlier, so fortunately most people had already claimed the luggage and left the building. Had the accident happened at that time, this could have been a significant and deadly tragedy. As it is, the accident caused an estimated $250,000 worth of damage to the airport.
Law enforcement was awaiting toxicology test results to determine if the driver was under the influence. He did have a history of multiple prior charges for drug possession and driving under the influence. He could face multiple charges of reckless driving and potential DUI charges. The airport said the baggage claim area would be restored by the new year.
Liability when vehicles leave the road
Any person who is injured in an accident must be able to prove another party was liable to be able to recover compensation in an injury claim. In the event the at-fault vehicle leaves the roadway and enters the sidewalk or collides with a building, it becomes significantly easier to demonstrate liability on the part of the driver, as all drivers must remain on the roadway and follow the rules of the road.
For more information about how to proceed with your personal injury claim, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.