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Drunk driver kills one and seriously injures another in accident

No one wants to be involved in a car crash. As a matter of fact, most people try to avoid car accidents. Many times while driving, attentive drivers can make adjustments while on the roadways so that they are not a part of a car crash. This type of defensive driving is taught to all who hold a driver’s license. However, defensive driving and avoiding car accidents is not even in the cards when dealing with someone who is driving while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers sometimes can’t avoid accidents because of their impairment and inability to drive attentively and defensively. Moreover, they tend to cause horrific accidents that result in seriously bodily injury, and sometimes death.

In Bedminster, Pennsylvania, there was a drunk driving accident involving a sport utility vehicle and a motorcycle. According to police reports, the driver of the SUV was operating his vehicle while intoxicated. In fact, the driver of the SUV had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for Pennsylvania. The driver crossed the center line and hit a motorcycle. The motorcyclist later died at the hospital and the passenger on the motorcycle suffered serious injuries.

Drunk drivers may face and likely will face criminal charges if the state decides to prosecute the case. In most instances when a death results from a drunk driving accident, the drunk driver is usually arrested and can be charged with a plethora of crimes, including but not limited to driving under the influence, aggravated assault and possibly homicide. Once charges are filed against an individual the legal process begins and the drunk driver will get their day in court. In a civil case, the court can award damages to the victim or the family of the victim, which could include medical expenses. This all depends on the nature and circumstances surrounding the drunk driving accident.

Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident is difficult to say the least. Protecting the victim and their rights is paramount.

Source: The Reporter, “Homicide by vehicle DUI charges filed in fatal Bedminster accident,” Bob Keeler, July 27, 2014

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