State Trooper Hurt After Wrong-Way Driver Strikes Cruiser on Rte 1 in Peabody, MA

Peabody, MA (May 31, 2026) – A Massachusetts State Police trooper was hospitalized after a wrong-way driver struck his marked cruiser on Rte 1 in Peabody. The crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 31.

A trooper from the Danvers barracks spotted the wrong-way driver traveling south in the northbound lane of Rte 1 and alerted fellow troopers. Officers moved to block vehicles from entering the roadway and intercept the driver. Minutes later, the wrong-way driver struck one of the troopers in his cruiser.

Both the trooper and the wrong-way driver were taken to a local hospital. The trooper's injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The trooper's identity was not released following the accident.

Lucas Gustavo Brajak DeAlmeida Benedetto, 41, of Newburyport, was identified as the wrong-way driver. After being released from the hospital, he was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and driving the wrong way on a state highway.

We wish the trooper a full and speedy recovery.

What Should You Do After a DUI Crash in Peabody, MA?

If you are injured in a crash involving an impaired driver in Peabody, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately after the collision, serious conditions such as concussions, internal injuries, neck trauma, and spinal damage may not become apparent until hours or days later.  A prompt medical evaluation not only supports your recovery but also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the accident. This medical record can play a significant role if you decide to pursue compensation later.

After addressing your immediate health needs, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible. Taking photographs of the vehicles, roadway conditions, and visible injuries can help document what occurred. Obtaining a copy of the police report, collecting witness contact information, and keeping records of all medical treatment and related expenses can also strengthen your understanding of the incident and its impact. Crashes involving impaired or wrong-way drivers often require detailed investigations, and evidence gathered early can be especially valuable.

Many people wonder whether they must wait for the criminal case to conclude before exploring their legal options. In Massachusetts, the answer is generally no. Criminal charges related to operating under the influence (OUI) are handled separately from any civil claim for damages. While the criminal case may provide useful evidence, injured victims can often begin evaluating their legal options and protecting their interests long before a verdict is reached.

A personal injury attorney may be able to help explain how Massachusetts law applies to your situation and what compensation could potentially be available. Depending on the circumstances, this may include recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Legal guidance can also help you navigate conversations with insurance companies, preserve important evidence, and avoid mistakes that could affect a potential claim. 

At Fiorentino Legal, we have experience reviewing crash-related cases across Massachusetts and helping people understand the details involved. We can explain how evidence, medical documentation, and insurance communication may apply in different situations.

Our team can also outline common steps that follow an accident and help you stay organized throughout the process. If you have questions, you can contact Attorney Christopher Fiorentino or Fiorentino Legal at (617) 990-2568 to learn more about your options.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.