New Jersey residents who celebrated Mardi Gras at home may be interested to learn that, on Feb. 25, a man who drove a truck into a crowd was driving over the legal limit. New Orleans authorities said that the man had a blood-alcohol level of .232 percent, more than three times over the legal limit.
The 25-year-old man was driving his truck on Saturday night when he struck two vehicles near the intersection of Orleans and Carrollton Avenues. He then continued into the crowd that had formed to watch the Krewe of Endymion parade. Twenty-eight people were reportedly injured, including a child as young as three. Of those who were injured, 21 were hospitalized and seven others refused medical transportation. None of the injuries that were suffered appeared to be life-threatening.
As a result, authorities charged the man with two counts of first-degree vehicular negligence, one count of hit-and-run driving and one count of reckless operation of a vehicle. He could potentially face additional charges. Authorities stated that the incident did not appear to be an act of terrorism.
People who are struck by a motor vehicle are at risk for suffering severe injuries. A personal injury attorney may assist those who have been injured in a pedestrian knockdown by gathering evidence that shows the extent of their injuries and filing a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist. Damages that could be sought could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other applicable amounts. Such a lawsuit could be successful even if the driver is acquitted on criminal charges, as the burden of proof is lower in a civil case.
Source: CNN, “Mardi Gras truck crash: Driver had .232 blood-alcohol level, police say“, Steve Almasy, Feb. 27, 2017
