Doctor Pleads Guilty in Drunk Driving Accident; Civil Suit is Probable

Last August, 32-year old homeless man, Jason Farnham was struck by a BMW while walking. That BMW was driven by Dr. Frank Vogel, 66, of Franklin Square. Just this week, Vogel pled guilty to driving drunk in the accident and is expected to be sentenced in upcoming days.

Farnham was initially listed in critical condition, according to Syracuse.com. He is still recovering from his injuries at The Centers at St. Camillus.

The younger man was walking on the night of August 21, 2011 on the west side of the Onondaga Lake Parkway, on or near the shoulder of the road. Vogel was driving southbound when the drunk driving accident occurred.

In his plea, Dr. Vogel admitted to being intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of at least .18, more than twice the legal limit. But according to the prosecution in the case, his blood alcohol level was more like .20.

The fact that Vogel stopped his vehicle and rendered assistance to Farnham while waiting for emergency personnel likely affected the plea agreement. According to the agreement, Vogel will serve five years’ probation with the first six months being served in the Onondaga County Correctional Facility.

This is contrary to what Farnham wanted. According to a civil attorney working with Farnham, he didn’t want to see Vogel spend any time behind bars for the drunk driving accident.

The fact that Farnham has a civil attorney says that he is likely in the process of filing a personal injury claim against Vogel. And because he has no doubt been through difficult times as a result of this drunk driving accident, it’s completely understandable.

If you are eligible for compensation following a fender bender that results in whiplash, you are certainly eligible after being hospitalized for more than six months following an accident with a drunk driver.

Drunk driving accidents are some of the most emotionally wrought auto accidents of all. Not only do you feel like you’re being punished for the actions of another, your family is also likely suffering as you are hospitalized and unable to work.

By working with a personal injury attorney, like those with Omrani & Taub, you can get the compensation that’s rightfully yours, possibly including money for your emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, ongoing medical costs, and pain and suffering.