A Colorado Springs man will spend the next 4 years of his life in prison for his role in a DUI crash the injured police officer, Sgt. Philip LeBeau. LeBeau, who specializes in DUI enforcement, “was catapulted 45 feet off his motorcycle” when Raymound Laracuente, 27, struck the officer while driving drunk. According to a report by 9 News, Laracuente’s “blood-alcohol content was measured at .112 after the crash,” and he had a prior conviction for driving under the influence. LeBeau’s family members wept as they described the impact the injury has had their lives.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, an “alcohol-related fatality in Colorado costs $3.6 million: $1.1 million in monetary costs and $2.5 million in quality of life losses.” When it is all said and done, automobile accidents “involving alcohol set the state back an astounding $1.9 billion a year.” To be sure, money is not the only way, or even the best way, to count the costs of the loss of a life. However, it does paint a bigger picture of what these accidents cost not only the family who loses a loved one but the larger community as well.
Luckily, the police officer in the above case did not lose his life. He did, however, sustain life changing injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving someone who was driving under the influence of alcohol, you need to speak to a Pueblo personal injury attorney about your legal options. There may be insurance funds you don’t know about but are entitled to that can help cover the costs of your personal injury. Smith & Smith is a qualified and passionate personal injury attorney who can help you find justice. For free review of your case call his office today at (719) 544-0062.
