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Wisconsin drunk driving accident results in criminal charges

Despite the attempts to educate drivers about the potential consequences of driving under the influence, people in Wisconsin and across the country continue to gamble with their lives as well as the lives of their passengers and others with whom they may come into contact by driving after consuming drugs and alcohol. Police are currently investigating an accident that sent three people to the hospital and ultimately resulted in a fatality. The driver now faces multiple criminal charges.

Witnesses of the accident, which happened in the early morning hours, claim that the the vehicle involved in the accident sped away from a red light. The car is then said that have fishtailed before the driver lost control and struck a light pole. The 35-year-old female driver as well as two passengers were trapped in the vehicle.

Both of the passengers were transported to the hospital by helicopter, but one did not survive. The driver was transported to the hospital by ambulance before being transported to a different facility by helicopter. The surviving passenger claimed that they had been at a party before the accident and that the driver had been drinking alcohol, and police reports indicate that the woman had a blood alcohol content well over the legal limit as well as opiates in her system. She now faces multiple charges, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. She could spend 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Many people who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol often overlook the potential consequences of their decisions. Unfortunately, a family in Wisconsin is left mourning today, allegedly because of the decisions made by a driver. While most people are aware of the physical and emotional pain an accident such as this can cause, it is easy to overlook the financial harm victims may also experience. The injured victim in this incident may struggle as a result of medical bills while funeral expenses can create complications for the surviving family members of the deceased victim. However, a civil lawsuit filed against the driver could result in a monetary award if it can be proved she acted negligently — a claim that would be supported by a conviction of the criminal charges she faces.

Source: Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant, Wis. Patch, “Female Driver Charged After One of Her Passengers Dies in Drunk Driving Accident“, Scott Anderson, July 13, 2016

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