January 20, 2010 – Haverhill - Two men were arrested over the weekend for two separate drunk driving accidents, both of which caused significant property damage to other vehicles as well as St. James Church.
According to reports in The Eagle Tribune, the first DUI accident occurred on Friday night as 46-year-old Douglas Tirone sideswiped another car on Interstate 495 and left the scene, an open container of Smirnoff Ice Raspberry Burst was found in the back of his car. Douglas has eight previous drunk driving convictions. He has since been charged with operating under the influence, operating after a license revocation, open container violation, and leaving the scene of an accident after causing property damage.
The second DUI accident occurred on Sunday at 2 a.m. when 18-year-old Michael Hurtado crashed his car into St. James Church at Winter and Primrose Streets, an accident that has resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage to the church’s railings and masonry. Hurtado was arrested at the scene of the drunk driving crash and charged with driving under the influence. He admitted to drinking at the scene of the accident and blew a .15 on his Breathalyzer test, which is almost twice the legal limit.
We are thankful no one was killed or seriously injured as a result of these tragic DUI accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Massachusetts Crash Statistics, there were 363 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Massachusetts.
We understand that the Haverhill Police Department’s Accident Division is looking into the DUI accidents. However, even while the police are investigating, we suggest that those who experienced significant property damage consult with a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer.
How a Massachusetts Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer can ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. An experienced Massachusetts accident attorney will piece together details of the collision to determine who was responsible and who should be held accountable. You can receive compensation for physical and emotional trauma, loss of wages, medical bills, and other damages.
