DUI Driver Runs Red Light
Brice Albert Macleod is charged with DUI with serious bodily injury after running a red light and injuring two people. This accident occured at approximately 1 a.m. at the intersection of Park Boulevard and 43rd Street, N in Pinellas Park. Macleod was driving a 2016 Toyota Corolla through the red light and struck a 2003 Toyota Camry driven by Caroline Sue Sine. Both Sine and her passenger, Sean R. Hankins were taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg in critical condition. Police took a blood sample from Macleod. Sine is a music teacher at John M. Sexton Elementary School.
DUI with serious bodily injury is a third degree felony under section 316.193, Florida Statutes. “Serious bodily injury” means an injury to any person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ under Florida law (section 316.1933, Florida Statutes). Law enforcement used section 316.1933 to draw blood from Mr. Macleod to provide evidence of DUI.
From the angles of the intersection, it looks like the vehicle on 43rd Street N would have had very little time to realize that Mr. Macleod was not going to stop at the red light. As such, there is little that Ms. Sine could have done differently to avoid an accident with Mr. Macleod. A driver has a reasonable expectation that other drivers on the roadway are going to obey the law. Ms. Sine would not have to wait until all other cars have come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. Mr. Macleod is going to be legally responsible for this crash and it is hoped that the other vehicle had underinsured motorist coverage on it to handle the likelihood that Mr. Macleod is not likely to have significant insurance limits.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident with a DUI driver in Polk County, Florida, please contact a DUI car accident attorney in Polk County, Florida for a free consultation.
UPDATE Caroline Sue Sine passed away from injuries due to the accident. Charges against Macleod have been upgraded to DUI manslaughter. DUI manslaughter carries a mandatory minimum sentence upon a conviction.
