Serious Accident in Jacksonville, Florida on I-10 Kills One and Injures Several Others. Alcohol Possibly Involved.
An accident on I-10 near Marietta Street in Jacksonville, Florida resulted in one death and several serious injuries, according to an article on News4Jax.com. The article indicates that a pickup truck driver struck a van near an exit ramp causing the van to hit the concrete barrier and overturn. The van had eleven passengers, many of whom were children. Eight of them were injured and one was killed in the accident.
The driver of the pickup truck may have been drinking, according to preliminary reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officer who was investigating the fatal crash. The accident occurred around 2:00 in the morning.
Any time there is an accident of this nature with a death and serious injuries, particularly with children involved, it is important to explore all of the factors that caused and contributed to the crash. Since there is some indication that alcohol was involved, that is a good starting point. Accident attorneys can look at the crash report and note any signs of impairment from alcohol and/or drugs that are reported by the responding FHP officer. Additionally, there may be an arrest and booking report prepared by a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) officer that will go into more detail as to whether the at-fault driver was drunk or otherwise impaired by alcohol or drugs. Witnesses from the scene of the accident can also testify to signs of impairment. Another possible source of information would be medical records of the at-fault driver if she was injured and treated. The ambulance report and the ER reports can have useful information including incriminating statements made by the driver, notes of observations from medical personnel such as an odor of alcohol and results of blood tests that show a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.
There are several ways for personal injury and wrongful death lawyers to learn about the condition of an at-fault driver, particularly if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident. For a serious accident like this one, it is important to explore all possible factors that may have contributed to the crash.
