On August 8th at around 12:01 a.m., Port Orange police officers say Dustin Smith failed to stop at a red light at Nova Road and Madeline Avenue, causing him to collide into the driver’s side of a Dodge Ram. Sources say the Dodge had a green light at the time and was in the intersection preparing to make a left turn onto Nova Road. After being struck, the Dodge spun several times which led to the driver being thrown from it.
Sadly, officials pronounced the motorist dead at the scene.
Although police did not disclose the name of the driver of the Dodge, The Daytona Beach News-Journal says Zareen Sayler came forward and confirmed that it was her husband, Matthew Sayler, 47, who was the one behind the wheel. Sayler shared that her husband had been working as a journeyman roofer in the Port Orange area for about four or five months before the traffic accident occurred.
Blood Test Reveals Smith Had Consumed Alcohol Prior to the Accident
After the fatal crash occurred, Smith was taken to an area hospital. Six hours later, officials obtained a warrant permitting them to draw his blood. The results of the blood test revealed Smith’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) level, which was .122. In the state of Florida, it is illegal for a driver to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood-alcohol content level of .08 or higher. Clearly, Smith’s BAC level was well beyond the legal limit.
Police later spoke with the passenger who had been riding with Smith just before the accident. Rhiannon Parker says she met Smith at the Seabreeze Tap House where she witnessed him drink two Jack Daniel whiskey and Cokes. Smith’s passenger then told officials that the two drove to the Streamline Hotel where he consumed more alcohol. After leaving the hotel, Smith and Parker were on the way to his home when he ran the red light and crashed into the Dodge.
The source says Smith was arrested for “disorderly intoxication, leaving the scene of a crash, hit and run, criminal mischief, fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and drug offenses.” This arrest will be the third time Smith has been charged with a DUI-related offense. In July 2010, Smith was arrested and charged with DUI and DUI with property damage. Nearly five years later, he was charged with similar crimes.
Are you looking to hold a drunk driver liable for the accident s/he caused?
Drunk driving accidents are among some of the worst types of accidents that occur on U.S. roadways. Not only do a large percentage of these accidents result in death, but many have caused thousands of individuals to suffer severe and even catastrophic injuries, some of which they will never be able to fully recover from. If a driver in Daytona Beach was responsible for initiating an alcohol-related crash and you are looking to obtain justice for your pain and suffering, the Daytona Beach, FL personal injury lawyers at Pappas and Russell, P.A. are ready to speak with you.
Although the drunk driver who hit you may face penalties for the crimes s/he committed, that isn’t going to make up for the impact the accident has had on your life and finances. If you wish to be awarded compensation for past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more, you are going to need to hire a Daytona Beach, FL personal injury lawyer to help you. In some cases, you might be able to recover compensation from the driver’s insurer, but chances are, it may not be enough, especially if your injuries are categorized as being catastrophic.
How much might my claim be worth?
In order to determine how much your claim is worth, a FL personal injury attorney at Pappas and Russell, P.A. would need to:
- Calculate how much you have accrued in medical bills and how much you will likely accrue in the future.
- Consider how the incident has impacted your physical abilities (i.e. your ability to work).
- Assess how the accident has impacted your life in general.
Depending on your circumstances, there may be additional factors that can be used to value your case. If you are interested in having one of our lawyers provide you with an estimate, contact us now at 386-254-2941. In the event you are ready to take legal action against the drunk driver who harmed you or a loved one, our firm is committed to helping victims like you obtain justice and ensure the driver is held accountable for their reckless and negligent behavior.
Pappas and Russell, P.A. is located at:
213 Silver Beach Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Phone: 386-254-2941
Website: www.pappasrussell.com
