A 56-year-old newspaper carrier in Wisconsin was injured after being hit by motorist and becoming lodged in the vehicle's windshield. Although the victim was wearing a reflective vest and had his flashers on, the driver, a 20-year-old man, failed to see him and struck his three-wheeled delivery bike.
When he was struck by the vehicle, the man became lodged in the windshield, with his upper body inside the car. The victim said he turned to the driver and said, "Hello, I'm the guy you hit on the bicycle." The driver didn't respond and continued to drive home, running a stop sign and hitting another vehicle before he arrived at his destination.
The driver didn't notice the man until he stopped the vehicle outside of his home, at which point the victim said he "started freaking out". The driver then locked the car doors and went into his home, leaving the bicyclist lodged in his windshield. The victim, who had gone headfirst through the windshield, pulled his knees and feet into the car, unlocked the doors, exited the vehicle, and began walking down the street.
A witness had called the police, and officers found the victim walking and took him to the hospital. He was treated for cuts to his head and leg and doctors removed glass from his eyes.
The driver was found at his home with a serious cut to his hand. He was arrested and has not yet been formally charged, but is facing preliminary charges of suspicion of DUI, suspicion of hit-and-run causing injury, and suspension of failing to render aid to a victim.
Although it seems unbelievable that the driver didn't notice he had hit the man, this is what alcohol can do. Drunk drivers are a serious menace, and innocent motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians often pay the price. Many are not as lucky as this man, and suffer permanent injuries or die as a result of a drunk driving accident.
In any drunk driving accident case, it is extremely important to get a personal injury lawyer to help you to pursue full compensation. The damages in a car accident case involving a drunk driver will include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and possibly more.
Get a professional working with you if you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver. Contact Smith & Stallworth, Attorneys at Law in Tampa if you are a victim. We have the experience, skills and determination to seek justice and full compensation.