A man from Land O’ Lakes, Florida was arrested on Saturday night after he fled the scene of a motor vehicle accident that he caused. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident victim was waiting at a red light on the eastbound State Road 54 when the suspect rear-ended his truck. Although the man exited his vehicle and gave the victim his name and address, he immediately returned to his pick-up truck and drove off.
Witnesses say the man drove across several eastbound lanes of traffic to reach the left turn lane, then made a U-turn and fled westbound on State Road 54 while speeding. Two of the witnesses followed the damaged truck to the owner’s residence. When highway patrol arrived on the scene, they were able to positively identify the man based on the information he had given to the victim.
According to officials, the suspect was found at his home leaning against his damaged truck. He smelled of alcohol and had “glassy, bloodshot eyes,” even though he told the police he had not been drinking since he arrived home. The man was subsequently arrested and charged with a DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
Even though the accident did not result in any serious injuries, the man’s reckless and intoxicated driving put several other motorists at risk as he fled the scene. All too often, accidents like these do not have happy endings, and people end up seriously hurt just because another person made the decision to drive while intoxicated.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida because of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact the experienced car accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm South Florida today to schedule a free initial consultation.
