A serious accident has drawn the attention of the State Attorney’s Office in Southwest Florida. The North Fort Myers Neighbor reports this month that local authorities are requesting that DUI charges be brought in a crash that sent three people, including a Cape Coral man, to the hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol submitted the charges to the State Attorney’s Office against the North Fort Myers resident after completing their investigation of the November 8 accident. The investigator asked that the 21-year-old man, Thomas Pruitt Brooks, be charged with DUI, DUI with property damage, and DUI with serious bodily injury, and careless driving.
The State Attorney will be the one who makes the final decision as to what charges are approved for actual prosecution, according to Florida Highway Patrol Officer Lt. Greg Bueno. The State Attorney declined to comment about the case because of department policy.
The report from the Florida Highway Patrol alleges that Brooks lost control of his Jeep while trying to pass another vehicle. He reportedly veered back onto the road and into the median, veered again across two lanes and onto the shoulder, and, in an attempt to again regain control of the vehicle, crossed the median and veered into the path of a Buick, driven by a North Fort Myers woman, Jean Oberg.
Injured in the accident were Brooks’ passenger, also from southwest Florida, Oberg, and Brooks. All three were transported to southwest Florida area hospitals for treatment.
Such incidents illustrate the tragedies that can occur when someone chooses to get behind the wheel of a car when impaired. They also point to why those injured in an accident should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Both Oberg and Brooks’ passenger sustained senseless injuries in an accident that should never have happened. Regardless of what decision the State Attorney makes as to what, if any, charges are filed, justice demands that those responsible for injury or loss be held accountable.
Those injured have a legal right to compensation and they can pursue that with the help of an attorney, irrespective of the results of any criminal trial. An attorney can help those who have been injured determine if they have a legitimate case. In addition, an attorney has the legal expertise to navigate the often difficult maze of insurance, medical, and legal paperwork necessary to hold all responsible parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact an attorney in southwest Florida today. Get the justice you deserve by getting the compensation and restitution you are due.
