Cops are supposed to protect the people of their jurisdictions. They are often multitasking, sometimes using computers or cell phones while driving down the road. We hold them to a higher standard, expecting them to honor the rules they are empowered to enforce.

Unfortunately, this week, a Florida Highway Patrol officer veered off the road and then overcorrected into oncoming traffic causing a fatal car accident. His patrol car hit another vehicle, killing the passenger and hospitalizing the driver. This devastating accident shows that no matter how good of a driver someone is, or how trained they are, they can still cause devastating accidents just for taking their eyes off the road or being distracted for even one second.

According to reports, the Florida Highway Patrol will investigate who is at fault in the accident, although it seems likely that the state trooper caused the accident. This accident means one family is faced with the lost of their loved one and another has a family member that is possibly severely injured.

The woman in the hospital with injuries could face large hospital bills as a result of the accident. She may have to go through extensive and costly rehabilitation. Even the best insurance doesn't always cover 100 percent of hospital bills, the woman will likely have to figure out how to manage her medical debt. Being injured from someone else's negligence shouldn't mean you have to alter your lifestyle to pay off your bills. Those who are injured in a car accident might be entitled to compensation for injuries and pain and suffering.

Source: WCTV, "Fatal Crash in Gadsden County Involved FHP Trooper," Danielle Eldredge, Feb. 13, 2012