Drivers face many unavoidable risks when they drive. However, getting behind the wheel of a car without proper training or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol creates a risk not just for the individual driver, but also for those who may come into contact with that person. Police in Wisconsin believe that a driver caused a fatal car accident under such circumstances.
The 21-year-old man now facing criminal charges allegedly climbed behind the wheel of a stolen car. He reportedly told police that he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol beforehand and was high on marijuana at the time. According to reports, the man said he passed a police cruiser and thought he was being followed by the officer.
He began driving fast, including taking turns at a high rate of speed, but his journey came to an abrupt halt when he is said to have run a stop sign. As a result, police claim that he slammed into a vehicle. A 25-year-old male in that vehicle died as a result of the collision. The victim’s wife suffered minor injuries while his 1-year-old son suffered head injuries and is listed in critical condition. Police say that the first driver fled the scene, but a wallet found in the car led them to the man, who now faces multiple criminal charges, including hit-and-run and driving without a license.
Although the Wisconsin criminal justice system will likely do everything in its power to hold the man accountable for his alleged actions, one family is left both grieving and recovering from the physical and emotional consequences of the fatal car accident. Unfortunately, they may also struggle with their finances as a result of medical bills, funeral expenses and lost wages. To help with these burdens, many people in similar situations have turned to the civil court for help. If it can be proved that the driver’s negligence caused the accident — a claim that would be supported by a conviction on criminal charges — the surviving victims of the accident could receive an award of damages to help with the costs stemming from the accident.
Source: jsonline.com, “Driver in hit-and-run crash that killed man was high, complaint says“, June 5, 2015
