Posted in Uncategorized on March 6, 2013
A Tulsa man who was suspected of DUI when he collided with a bicyclist last August is now facing felony charges related to the accident. Police arrested Daniel Roberts Highers this past month on charges that he was DUI when he struck bicyclist Chalres Steven Martin. According to a report,
Prosecutors allege that Highers was under the influence of methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, pseudoephedrine, amphetamine and alprazolam on Aug. 12 when the 1999 Honda Accord he was driving collided with Charles Steven Martin, who was riding a bicycle on Sheridan Road near East 95th Place, according to the filings.
DUI is a serious offense, and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to the dangers presented by impaired motorists. In the present case, reports indicate that Martin suffered a broken femur and wrist, internal injuries and lost part of his intestine. Accidents involving cars and bicyclists can lead to catastrophic results and cause permanent injuries or death, even where the driver is not impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For Highers, reports indicate that prior to the accident, he operated his vehicle in an extremely reckless manner :
Witnesses told police that Highers attempted to pass several southbound cars when he hit the cyclist and another vehicle, according to a police affidavit. They also said Highers “was driving aggressively/recklessly by forcing his vehicle in between cars and attempting to pass several cars at once in a no passing zone.”
The actions of Highers demonstrate a reckless disregard for the safety of other motorists and bicyclists, who are frequently the forgotten victims of the severe trauma that may result from an auto accident.
If you have questions about injuries sustained in a car accident, or you are a bicyclist injured by a careless driver, contact the attorneys at Bryan & Terrill Law.