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Police officer dies in drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania

Drunk driving accidents are all too common in America. Even with public service announcements explaining the dangers of drunk driving and how it can adversely impact another driver’s life, drunk driving accidents still occur with relative frequency. When a car crash occurs, law enforcement authorities will investigate the crash, and one bit of information they usually look for is whether or not one of the parties involved was under the influence of alcohol. If it is determined that the accident was caused by a drunk driver, the case is usually handled differently.

In Upper Darby, a township in Pennsylvania, there was an accident involving a police officer recently. The officer died as a result of the accident. The police officer was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a truck that was being operated by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The drunk driver faces a multitude of charges, including aggravated assault, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Driving under the influence is illegal and is normally prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Many states have statutes that specifically deal with drunk driving accidents aimed at protecting victims who are hit by a drunk driver. Depending on the nature and circumstances surrounding the accident and the severity of the damages and injuries involved, a drunk driver could face jail time. Outside of a possible criminal prosecution for drunk driving, victims in these types of accidents can also seek compensation in a civil case.

Source: CBS Philly, “Lansdowne Man Charged In DUI Crash That Killed Philadelphia School District Cop,” Mike Dougherty, May 10, 2014

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