Man and Woman Injured in Temple Pedestrian Accident on Interstate 35; Billy Ray Polk Arrested

Temple, Texas (August 13, 2020) – A man and a woman were struck by a suspected drunk driver on Wednesday in Temple, according to police.

The accident happened just before midnight, August 12, on the ramp for Exit 304 on northbound Interstate 35.

Police said the man and the woman were changing a tire when they were hit by 36-year-old Billy Ray Polk.

Polk fled the scene but was later found, arrested and taken into custody.

Both victims were taken to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Temple with life-threatening injuries. 

Polk has been charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle.

The authorities are investigating the crash.

We hope the injured victims recover quickly.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol however is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. 

If you have been injured because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a  personal injury action against the drunk driver.

To speak with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates,  Click to call: 281-943-5555.