Drunk drivers continue to pose one of the biggest dangers to other motorists on Pennsylvania’s roadways. Their negligence, recklessness and inability to maintain control of their vehicles often result in serious car crashes that cause other drivers and their passengers to suffer both physical injury and property damage. Unfortunately, police officers and state troopers are not immune to the risk posed by drunk drivers.
On the Schuylkill Expressway at 2:30a.m. on a recent Sunday morning, a car accident occurred involving a suspected drunk driver and two Pennsylvania state troopers. The officers had stopped to assist another vehicle that had been involved in a collision. The troopers’ vehicle was parked on the side of the expressway when the suspected drunk driver crashed into it from behind. Both troopers and the driver of the vehicle that hit the troopers’ vehicle were injured in the crash. All three were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents. Because of their commonplace nature, many people do not view them as especially serious and may walk away from an accident believing that they are fine. In many cases, property damage resulting from a rear-end collision is also relatively slight. Many injuries resulting from car crashes, especially rear-end collisions, reveal themselves later, however, and can cause considerable pain and expense for the victims.
When a car accident victim sues another driver after being injured in a car accident, the plaintiff can recover damages related to medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering if the lawsuit is successful. This compensation can be critical for victims whose injuries result in rather substantial medical bills or prevent them from working for a period of time while recovering. When an accident was caused by someone suspected of driving under the influence, the car accident victim and lawsuit plaintiff will often have an easier time proving the other driver’s liability for the crash because drunk driving is not only illegal but also recognized as dangerous and reckless behavior that impairs one’s ability to drive.
Source: CBSPhilly, “Two PA Troopers Injured In DUI Crash On Schuylkil Expressway,” Sept. 14, 2014