Those who chose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol have left many families struggling to cope with a tragic loss. While prosecutors attempt to hold drunk drivers responsible for their actions, nothing can fill the hole that a fatal car accident creates in a family. Unfortunately, two families are left mourning an unexpected loss after a car crash in Wisconsin that is believed to have been caused by an intoxicated driver.
The accident happened in the early morning hours of a day in September and only involved one vehicle. Police claim that the alleged driver of the sports utility vehicle that wrecked, a 24-year-old man, reported that he had been drinking at a club prior to the accident. In fact, his blood alcohol content was reportedly over the legal limit at the time of the accident.
Witnesses claim that the SUV was traveling at a speed significantly over the speed limit when the driver lost control while attempting a right turn. As a result, the vehicle rolled before striking a utility pole. One of the deceased victims, a 24-year-old mother of three, died at the scene after suffering severe head trauma. A second passenger, a 26-year-old woman, died after being transported to the hospital. Another passenger remains unconscious following the accident and the partial amputation of one of her arms.
While Wisconsin prosecutors have filed multiple charges against the driver as a result of this fatal accident, the victims’ families are likely attempting to cope with the outcome. Two families are facing life without a loved one. The injured victim will likely have a long recovery, potentially preventing her from working and resulting in high medical bills. If negligence can be proved, these victims — including surviving family members — could receive an award of damages to help them cope with the financial ramifications of the crash. Often, such an outcome allows victims to focus on their emotional and/or physical recovery by helping them manage the financial burdens created by another’s reckless actions.
Source: fox6now.com, “New details: Driver involved in fatal crash at 32nd and Atkinson was intoxicated with suspended license“, Bret Lemoine, Sept. 14, 2016