Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.
Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Elkhorn, WI

COVID-19 Message: We are available during business hours by phone and other forms of electronic and written communication. Read more.

Wisconsin man arrested for drunk driving after accident

A 53-year-old Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, man is facing charges after he allegedly ran a stop sign in nearby Caledonia, causing a motorcyclist to crash into his car. The car accident occurred at the intersection of Dunkelow Road and Morris Street. A passenger in the car said the motorcyclist crashed into the passenger side of the car as the man pulled out in front of him. The motorcyclist suffered what were characterized as minor injuries.

Apparently, the car’s driver was already in serious trouble for previously driving drunk. At the time of this arrest, he already had an open case for a third drunk driving charge where he had been out on bail and ordered not to drink. For his role in this crash, he is charged with misdemeanor drunk driving-third offense, felony drunk driving causing injury-second offense and three counts of bail jumping. If he is found guilty of the open case, this drunk driving charge will become his fourth offense.

According to the criminal complaint, responding officers described the car driver as disoriented with slurred speech and appeared to have a hard time standing up. The man refused a sobriety test at the scene. The officers then arrested him and sent him to a nearby hospital to have blood drawn. If convicted, he is facing slightly over eight years in prison and up to $45,000 in fines.

The motorcyclist was fortunate to come out of this accident with only mild injuries. Drunk driving can be disastrous and potentially cause life-threatening injuries or even death. Interestingly, the passenger riding in the car told the Wisconsin police driver had been drinking and likely had an outstanding warrant. In addition to any criminal responsibility the allegedly drunk driver may face, he could also be the subject of a civil claim by the motorcyclist to reimburse the biker for medical costs and other damages associated with the collision.

Source: Caledonia Patch, “Motorcyclist Injured In Crash, Driver Charged With Drunk Driving,” Denise Lockwood, May 27, 2012

RSS Feed

FindLaw Network