A Winter Haven, FL bicyclist remained in critical condition Sunday after he was struck by a van driven by a habitual traffic offender Saturday on a rural Lake Alfred road, in Lakeland, FL the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.
According to the Lakeland Ledger, Norman Patrick Shepherd was injured about 11 a.m. Saturday on Cass Road, near Adams Barn Road in the Lake Alfred area.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated that Michael S. Waters, 28, of 10935 Demillie Road in Polk County, FL was driving a 1999 Ford Aerostar Van west on Cass Road in Polk County, FL as Shepherd road also headed near the right shoulder of the roadway.
The van hit Norman Patrick Shepherd,42, of Ninth Street Northwest, in Lakeland, FL from behind and his head struck the upper right area of the van's windshield. The van was driven partially off the roadway and then across Cass Road in Polk County, FL and Shepherd was thrown onto a grassy portion of the shoulder near the intersection of Adams Barn Road, in Polk County, FL according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office reports.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated Waters got out of the van and ran south along Adams Barn Road, in Polk County, FL
A short time later, passersby saw Shepherd on the ground and called for help.
Shepherd was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in Lakeland, FL
Waters told a Lake Alfred, FL police officer that he had consumed alcohol and methamphetamine before the crash, a news release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.
Waters could face other charges after the results of blood and urine tests are completed.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the drug Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant which affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.
According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number methamphetamine users age 12 and older decreased by over half between 2006 and 2008. Current users of methamphetamine were numbered at 731,000 in 2006, 529,000 in 2007, and 314,000, between the ages of 12 to 17 and young adults in 2008. Significant declines from 2002 and 2008 also were noted for lifetime and past-year use in this age group. From 2002 to 2008, use of methamphetamine declined significantly among youths from 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent, and young adults declined from 0.6 percent in 2002 to 0.2 percent in 2008.
Pursuant to Florida Law, insured drivers are required to carry "No-Fault" or "Personal Injury Protection (PIP)" coverage, which entitles anyone who is injured in an automobile accident to medical treatment and lost wages. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, do not hesitate to hire an attorney. At Rivas Law Group, LLC, attorney Tania Rivas represents only accident victims, never insurance companies. Attorney Rivas assists all clients in filing their PIP claims, lost wages, and injury claims. Call us today for your free legal consultation.
