It is likely that all drivers are aware of the potential dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, some people continue to risk both personal safety as well as the safety of their passengers and others by drinking and driving. Wisconsin police say that a recent fatal car accident was caused by a driver who was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Reports indicate a 25-year-old woman was driving an SUV one evening in late October. Reports indicate that the vehicle was headed east when the driver lost control, causing the SUV to exit the roadway and enter a ditch. The car rolled as a result. A passenger in the vehicle died.
The driver reportedly told police that she heard her passenger call her name followed by what she thought may have been a warning about wildlife in the area. As a result, she claims that she swerved, causing her to lose control of the SUV. Police say that her blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit and claim that she reported consuming multiple alcoholic beverages prior to the accident. She has been charged with homicide by drunk driving.
The loss of a life due to a preventable car accident seems especially tragic. Many times, a person’s decision to drink and drive has devastating consequences for others beyond the driver him or herself. Unfortunately, people must cope with the financial consequences of a fatal accident as well as the emotional and physical. To help cope with these burdens, victims –including surviving loved ones of fatal victims — have the option of seeking relief by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. In past cases, Wisconsin courts have awarded damages in cases where negligence was proved.
Source: wqow.com, “Deputies: Driver says she drank 1 shot, 5 beers before fatal St. Croix County crash”, Oct. 25, 2015
