Over the course of the last decade, considerable efforts have been made to educate the public about the potential consequences of drinking and driving. In addition to government agencies, even alcohol manufacturers are involved with education efforts by creating advertising that discusses the importance of responsible drinking. Regardless of these efforts, some people still choose to engage in such a risky behavior. In fact, impairment is suspected in a recent Wisconsin car accident that killed two people.
The accident happened one Saturday evening in early December. Police report that a pickup truck was driving the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of a Wisconsin highway. As result, the eastbound truck allegedly struck a car head on.
A driver and passenger in the westbound vehicle died as a result of the injuries they each suffered in the accident. The driver of the pickup truck is being treated for critical injuries. While it is unclear what — if any — criminal charges are expected, police have said that they believe impairment was a contributing factor.
While a car accident can happen at any moment, many people are unprepared for the financial ramifications of such a tragedy. In addition to funeral expenses, the families of the deceased victims may also face lost wages among other financial complications. As a result, there is an option that would allow the family members of the victims to seek legal recourse. If it can be proven in a civil court that the accident was caused by the pickup driver’s negligence, a Wisconsin court could award them with damages in accordance with state law.
Source: wjfw.com, “2 die in head-on crash on Wisconsin highway“, Dec. 7, 2014
