A well-known Atlantic City realtor was seriously injured in early December when an allegedly intoxicated driver hit her. She was attending a convention in town and had walked to a city intersection around 4:00 p.m. While at the cross walk, a van hit her with enough force to throw her into the air. The van then ran into a concrete wall.
The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. Her injuries were extensive, with compound fractures to her patella, elbow, femur, and C5 vertebrae. She also suffered liver and brain contusions, brain bleeds, and facial wounds. As a result, she had to undergo numerous surgeries and was on a respirator.
The victim’s surgeries have been successful so far, and her family is hoping for the best; at the end of December, she was improving but still under sedation. Her family and friends have started a GoFundMe page, which is close to achieving its goal of raising $85,000 for her.
The Driver
The van’s driver was arrested right at the scene and underwent field testing by the police. The testing indicated that he was driving under the influence (DUI) of narcotics. He is currently being held at the Atlantic County Jail, awaiting a court date. He is charged with DUI, assault by auto, reckless driving, driving with no license, and aggravated assault.
Drugged Driving
The past decade has brought much attention to the opioid crisis, which includes drugged driving. Both illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, and prescription medication can adversely affect driving. Even though marijuana may seem tame by comparison, it too can lead to drugged driving accidents. In the past, drunk driving was the main concern for law enforcement officials, but the government is starting to work on new legislation for drugged driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) includes illicit drugs, prescription drugs, certain over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol as substances that impair driving. They can all affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to react quickly. Stimulants like cocaine may have the opposite effect, causing the user to become reckless and highly aggressive on the roads. When two or more drugs are taken together, the driver can turn into a very dangerous threat to others.
The Atlantic City crash is one of many similar accidents. In early December, a drugged driver in Boston crashed into another vehicle and attempted to flee the scene. A nearby police officer witnessed the event and took up pursuit. The driver hit a second car, then ran into a pedestrian that was standing by a truck, and finally crashed into a third car. Fortunately, the pedestrian only suffered minor injuries.
A New Hampshire woman was not as lucky; last November, she was a passenger in an SUV driven by a drugged driver. The driver crashed into a tree, fatally injuring the passenger, and injuring himself and another passenger.
Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Fight for Victims of DUI Accidents
DUI car accidents can damage and destroy lives, and if you were involved in one, we can help. Call the Atlantic City personal injury lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm. We will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Fill out an online form or call 609-926-3300 today for a free consultation. Our office is in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and we represent clients in Atlantic City and South Jersey.