JONESBORO— Zachary Thompson, age 35, of Trumann, was arrested Tuesday following a hit-and-run accident involving a bicyclist in Jonesboro.
The incident occurred near Highland Drive and Bittle Street, where police said Thompson struck the cyclist and fled the scene. Officers found Thompson shortly after near Forest Home Road and Bittle Street. They observed a broken windshield, blood on his vehicle, and detected the odor of marijuana.
The victim was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Police conducted field sobriety and BAC tests, which showed signs of impairment. Thompson was transported to Craighead County Detention Center after a blood draw at St. Bernards.
Craighead County District Judge charged Thompson with second-degree battery, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury.
The incident remains under investigation.
Zachary Thompson arrested in Jonesboro hit-and-run accident
Incident Location
DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, the cause of 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents is drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Zachary Thompson may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim pending an investigation.
Bond said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” she added.
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation for guidance
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
