Most people would agree that drinking and driving is a risky action that could potentially lead to a serious accident resulting in the death or serious injury of innocent people. Unfortunately, people still continue to engage in the behavior. In fact, one man in Wisconsin is accused of being involved in a car accident involving alcohol and leaving the scene. He now faces several criminal charges.
Witnesses claim that just before 3 a.m. one morning in October, a van and sedan traveling in the same direction collided. The collision caused the van, which was carrying eight people, to flip before crossing a ditch and coming to a rest in a group of trees. Two people in the van were ejected and died. The other six passengers were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Additionally, witnesses say that the driver of the sedan did not remain at the scene. However, police soon located an abandoned vehicle that had sustained damages. The car is believed to be the one involved in the accident, and police say the 21-year-old owner was driving at the time. He was found walking near the road and was arrested. He now faces charges related to drunk driving and the deaths of the two people in the van.
Unfortunately, the unexpected death of a loved one has both financial and emotional ramifications. In order to better cope with the financial stresses such a death can create, many people in Wisconsin seek damages in a civil court. In this case, if the family members of the two deceased people can prove the accident was caused by the man’s negligence, the court could award them with damages to cover their funeral expenses and lost wages, among other damages. Likewise, those injured in the accident also have the option of seeking a monetary award to cover their hospital bills and other expenses stemming from the accident.
Source: startribune.com, “Wisconsin man arrested after I-94 hit-run crash kills two, injures six“, Adam Belz, Oct. 11, 2014
