Tiger Woods refused a urine take a look at after his DUI crash, and now the sufferer’s new lawyer focuses on precisely this kind of case

The driving force concerned in Tiger Woods’ current automotive crash has employed a private harm lawyer, including a brand new layer to the golfer’s ongoing authorized scenario. Jeromy Bullard, whose pickup truck Woods collided with, is now represented by Jason Fagnano, a lawyer who focuses on auto, truck, motorbike, bicycle, and pedestrian accident instances. Woods at the moment faces fees together with DUI with property injury and refusal to undergo a lawful take a look at.

As reported by BroBible, authorities arrested Woods final week on suspicion of driving underneath the affect after his Vary Rover crashed into Bullard’s truck on a residential avenue. Bullard was making an attempt to again out of a driveway when Woods’ automobile, reportedly transferring at a excessive pace, clipped the truck and flipped onto its driver’s facet. Preliminary injury estimates to Bullard’s automobile sit at round $5,000.

Physique digital camera footage launched by the Martin County Sheriff’s Workplace confirmed Woods on one knee close to his overturned SUV. He informed an officer he had appeared down at his telephone after which heard “growth,” later including that he didn’t discover the opposite automobile slowing down as a result of he was his cellular phone and altering the radio station. Deputies noticed that Woods appeared impaired and torpid, and an alcohol take a look at registered 0.00%, indicating no alcohol in his system.

The hydrocodone present in his pocket and his take a look at refusal at the moment are central to the case

Sheriff John Budensiek acknowledged throughout a information convention that he believes Woods was underneath the affect of treatment, not alcohol. Woods informed deputies he had not consumed alcohol however had taken “just a few” prescription medicines earlier that day. Deputies famous his “bloodshot, glassy eyes” and “extraordinarily dilated pupils.”

After Woods failed a discipline sobriety take a look at, a deputy positioned him in handcuffs, telling him his regular schools appeared impaired underneath an unknown substance. Throughout a search, deputies discovered two white drugs recognized as hydrocodone in Woods’ entrance left pocket. Woods talked about he has undergone seven again surgical procedures and about 20 operations on his leg.

On the station, Woods refused to undergo a urine take a look at. The breath take a look at on the Martin County Jail confirmed a 0.000 alcohol studying, however his refusal to supply a urine pattern means authorities couldn’t take a look at for different substances. This refusal now kinds a key a part of the costs towards him, alongside the DUI and a careless driving quotation.

Fagnano’s specialization in accident instances involving particular authorized nuances round take a look at refusal might show vital for Bullard’s declare. The Tank Davis $20M countersuit over his personal authorized battle is one other instance of how rapidly civil proceedings can escalate alongside legal fees for high-profile athletes.

This isn’t Woods’ first encounter with authorized points from a automotive crash. His Might 2017 arrest additionally concerned pharmaceuticals, together with hydrocodone, present in his system. He pleaded responsible to reckless driving in that case, and his 12-month probation included DUI college, group service, and random drug and alcohol testing. He was cited for careless driving in 2009, and in 2021 he was hospitalized after a severe rollover crash in Los Angeles County that investigators dominated an accident.

Woods has been making an attempt a comeback after years of accidents, enjoying in 11 tournaments however ending solely 4. After a TGL indoor golf league match final week, he mentioned he was “attempting” to return to aggressive golf however his “physique doesn’t get well like once I was 24/25.” Physique digital camera footage additionally captured Woods strolling on the highway after the crash, apparently ending a telephone name, earlier than saying he had simply been on the telephone with “the president.” President Trump later referred to Woods as his “good pal” and expressed concern.

Whereas sitting at the back of a police cruiser on the way in which to the hospital, Woods was heard saying “That is enjoyable” to himself, hiccupping all through the footage and leaning over along with his eyes closed. Amid different athletes dealing with career-altering penalties from off-field incidents, Woods is at the moment abroad in search of doctor-advised therapy, which a decide granted permission for. He has pleaded not responsible, and his subsequent court docket look is scheduled for Might 5.