A Florida doctor accused of driving under the influence of drugs last year recently had the charge dropped. It turns out he was driving erratically because he’d become disoriented as a result of a medical condition, not because he was intoxicated.
Orlando ophthalmologist Charlie Young was arrested and charged with DUI after he was involved in a car accident in late 2017. Young, who had volunteered that day at a local Veterans Administration hospital, was on his way home after feeling disoriented and deciding to leave early. Although Young didn’t have alcohol in his system, a state trooper believed he was impaired by prescription drugs. Young admitted to taking medication to treat neuropathy.
Nearly a year later, the charges were dropped. That’s because Young was evaluated by three doctors, who said they all believed that he was disoriented by his medical condition, not because of any drugs. Neuropathy is a nerve condition that can cause numbness and tingling in various parts of the body. It can also interrupt communications with the brain
Legal Protections for Car Accident Victims
Young’s story is another reminder of the risk of an accident that comes with getting on the road. It’s not just drunk drivers who cause crashes. Drivers who suffer from a wide range of medical issues can also put others at risk. That’s not to mention hazardous road conditions, aggressive driving and plain old human error, all of which are commonly cited as the cause of collisions.
The good news is that a person injured in a car accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) program is “no fault” insurance system that’s intended to quickly resolve car accident claims by making certain benefits available to people injured in a collision without having to determine who is to blame. Sunshine State drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. That can be used to pay medical, wage loss and death benefits related to an accident. The system also limits an insured person's right to sue for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies often hold up the process. In addition, the $10,000 minimum PIP coverage may not always cover the full extent of a person’s injuries. That’s why it’s important that anyone injured in a crash seek the advice of a seasoned personal injury attorney.
Contact a Seasoned Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. It’s important that you seek the advice and counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney, who can help you weigh your options and build the strongest possible case.
Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been representing people involved in collisions for more than two decades. Our office is conveniently located in The Villages. Our firm is proud to fight for clients in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7599 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
