Suspected drunk driver accused of crash that sent Edinburg officer to hospital
by Benjamin Treviño | October 1st, 2024 | Auto Accident, Lawsuit, Legal Representation, Negligence
EDINBURG – An Edinburg police officer has been hospitalized following a “serious fleet accident” with a driver officials suspect was intoxicated, the city said in a news release.
The crash happened at the intersection of 24th Avenue and Chapin Street shortly after noon on Sunday, the release stated.
The officer’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F-150, with the release adding that while the officer was transported to the hospital, they are expected to recover.
The driver of the Ford, who wasn’t identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the release stated.
As a result of the crash, the intersection remained closed to eastbound and southbound traffic until 4:49 p.m.
On Facebook, the Edinburg Police Organization identified the officer as the union’s president, Juan “Jay” Hernandez.
“Prayers for our President, Juan ‘Jay’ Hernandez who was involved in a major accident today while on duty,” the post stated. “Jay was transported to the hospital via EMS. Crash is under investigation, we will post his status when we get one.”
What to do if you are injured by a drunk driver
The main thing to keep in mind if your Texas car accident was caused by a drunk driver is that you can use their intoxication as evidence in your favor. Driving while intoxicated is considered negligent behavior, and proving the other driver’s negligence is the key that allows you to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
How police determine intoxication
An officer who suspects that a driver was drunk while driving can either perform a sobriety test or require the driver to take a sobriety test at the police station.
According to Texas law, a driver is under the influence of alcohol if a sobriety test reveals a blood/alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. In a Texas court of law, that is sufficient evidence to confirm a DWI. The results of the sobriety test will be included in the police accident report, so it is important for the victim to obtain a copy of that report.
The accident claim process
When you pursue a claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company may be liable for your medical expenses. You will need to prove your out-of-pocket expenses and other financial losses.
You will have to gather all related documents to establish your claim, including:
· Ambulance care
· Emergency room care
· Hospital stays
· Surgical procedures
· Doctors’ visits
· Pain medication or medical devices
J. Gonzalez can help
It’s not easy to gather evidence for a personal injury claim and prepare for court (if necessary) when you’re busy focusing on your physical and emotional recovery. That’s why the J. Gonzalez Law Firm was created.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys can help you in the following ways:
· Investigate the accident further to establish the facts of the case
· Manage all the necessary paperwork and documents
· Speak with eyewitnesses
· Hire expert witnesses such as medical experts or accident reconstruction experts
· Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
· File a lawsuit to pursue your case in court
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on car accidents. You must file a claim before the two-year deadline to recover compensation for your losses. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm gives you an iron-clad guarantee – if we don’t recover the monetary damages you legally deserve, you pay us nothing.
Learn about your legal options right now via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
