Late last month, two separate car accidents on the same day almost had serious consequences for two Massachusetts State Police officers. In both cases, the driver who caused the motor vehicle accident is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The first incident occurred shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Route 24, when a motorist was driving on a highway in the wrong direction. In an effort to stop the driver, a trooper was laying stop sticks – devices used to deflate tires – on the road when the driver hit the officer’s vehicle and two other cars. She was charged with operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and wrong-way operation.
Around 3:00 a.m. the same morning, a trooper was stationed near a road repair crew on the Turnpike in Newton. A work zone was designated around the area and the two right lanes of the road were closed to protect those paving the road and the trooper on duty. A motorist struck the trooper’s car – while the officer was inside – with such force that it caused the driver’s car to roll over. The driver was charged with operating under the influence, entering a restricted zone and operating to endanger.
Thankfully, neither officer suffered serious injuries following the suspected drunken driving accidents.
Unfortunately, not all victims of drunken driving accidents escape unscathed. When someone is harmed by a drunken driving accident in Massachusetts, it may be possible to collect damages to compensate for the injuries he or she sustained. In many cases, the injured party may collect compensation to cover damage to the vehicle, medical expenses, and income lost due to medical leave. Consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney after suffering injuries in a drunken driving accident can ensure an individual’s rights are protected.
Source: Boston.com, “Two face drunken driving charges after slamming into State police cruisers in Randolph, Newton,” Alli Knothe and John R. Ellement, June 27, 2012.
