The effects of alcohol are well-known. It slows reaction time, makes people inattentive, distracted, and causes them to engage in risky behavior. Although the dangers of driving after having several drinks are well-documented and publicized, people still continue to do it. Today, a North Carolina woman is fighting for her life after suffering a serious injury when she was struck by a car driven by a man believed to be under the influence.
A male driver was traveling south on a North Carolina road. The 69-year-old female victim stepped off the curb in order to cross the street. She was struck by the male driver.
The female was transported to a nearby hospital. Doctors have classified her status as serious. The driver now faces charges of driving under the influence. Had the man not been under the influence as reports allege, there would most likely have been a much different outcome for the woman.
While it is possible that the driver’s insurance will cover the woman’s medical bills, insurance companies have a tendency of acting in their own best interests. The process of being compensated for the medical bills created by the serious injury could be lengthy and complicated. Additionally, the woman could unknowingly settle for less than she is actually entitled to. If she files a civil case in a North Carolina court and if the court determines that the man’s negligence caused the accident, she could receive compensation for her medical bills as well as for time missed from work, among other financial damages permissible under our laws. While many insurance companies are honorable and only want to do the best thing, it may be in the best interests of the woman to use the civil court to ensure complete fairness as she pursues any claim for reimbursement of damages.
Source: abclocal.go.com, “Driver faces DWI charge after pedestrian accident,” May 17, 2013