Those employed with the police department are often held to a higher standard. This is why it is particularly shocking to find out that when officers fail to obey the laws they are intended to uphold and cause car accidents. An off-duty New York detective was recently charged with several offenses after allegedly drinking and driving.
According to reports, the detective was attempting to enter the southbound lanes of a local expressway when the collision occurred. While on the entrance ramp, he struck the back end of the car ahead of him. Police believe alcohol to be the contributing factor in the crash and charged him with driving while intoxicated, several counts of vehicular assault, assault and refusal to take a breath test.
The driver of the car that was hit suffered serious injuries and was listed in critical condition at the hospital. Two other passengers in the car were hospitalized for minor injuries. The detective reportedly suffered minor head and neck injuries and was treated at the hospital before being charged.
Even though the detective is facing criminal charges, the victims could still file individual personal injury claims against him in civil court. If their claims are successful, they could be awarded monetary damages that could help pay for medical bills and other financial losses related to the crash. New York residents injured in car accidents may have the right to file claims for monetary damages. Those interested may consider consulting experienced personal injury attorneys for more information and assistance in filing personal injury claims.
Source: New York Post, “Drunk off-duty detective allegedly involved in car crash“, Shawn Cohen, April 23, 2017
