Panama City Beach Car Accident – Tess Rowland explains her recovery and injuries to the judge as prosecutor Frank Sullivan takes over. In the lower right, the accused stands before the judge, as shown by Rowland and others.
A man who was driving erratically in a Panama City beach park when he hit a woman head-on, seriously injuring her, was sentenced Friday to three years in prison, State’s Attorney Larry Basford said.
Panama City Beach Car Accident
Former WMBB-TV reporter Tess Rowland, who underwent multiple surgeries after a 2019 crash, told defendant Jacob Savage at her sentencing that he changed his life forever by choosing to drink and drive.
Lawyer: Driver Who Crashed Into Lasd Recruits Fell Asleep
You can serve three years, but you, Mr. Savage, you gave me a life sentence,” Rowland told the court. “Not a day goes by that I don’t go through the pain, see my wounds and bones, or replay the last moments of the accident in my mind. All because you had to celebrate your 22nd birthday. “
Left to right: The defendant is fingerprinted, District Judge Brantley Clarke is sentencing after the defendant’s Chevy Avalanche crash and below, after the victim’s 2019 Honda crash.
Prosecutor Frank Sullivan told District Court Judge Brantley Clark that if the case goes to trial, he will testify that the defendant was intoxicated and in possession of marijuana and a controlled substance at the time of the accident. He pleaded no contest and was found guilty by Judge Clark. In addition to the prison sentence, he was sentenced to 6 years of probation, his driver’s license was revoked for one year after serving the sentence, and he must complete 250 hours of public service. The judge withheld a decision on compensation.
“You’re a much stronger person after the accident, you’ve got to get over it,” Clarke said. “And I think you’re not only an inspiration to people who are victims of DUI drivers, but to other crimes as well.”
Seized Corvette Stingray Now A Panama City Police Car: Video
Rowland was eastbound on Panama City Beach Parkway to work on May 4, 2021 in his 2019 Honda SUV. The defendant, who was driving a 2007 Chevy Avalanche, turned west into the eastbound lane and a short time later collided with the Honda. , destroys the car. The defendant was not injured and tests showed his BAC (alcohol content) was 1½ over the legal limit of 0.08.
In addition to multiple surgeries due to injuries to his right shoulder and leg, Rowland is preparing for a shoulder replacement and can’t lift more than 5 pounds with that arm.
“My knee still hurts even after walking long distances and I have learned to deal with the constant pain,” he said as he handed down the sentence. “My shoulder is still classified as a fracture because the plates and screws are back, which means I may need a shoulder replacement as soon as this year.”
Rowland said she will never forgive the accused but will pray for him for others.
Traffic Crash On Panama City Beach Pkwy. Sends Three To Hospital
“Because if you make that choice again, you can easily kill someone,” he said. “Know that I made a choice to survive, you don’t leave me like that.”
Basford thanked the agencies involved in the investigation, including the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Accident lawyer panama city, panama city motorcycle accident, panama city accident reports, panama city beach news car accident, panama city car accident lawyer, panama city beach accident, panama city car accident, car accident lawyer panama city fl, parasailing accident panama city beach, panama city accident attorney, panama city beach accident reports, panama city car accident lawyers