Wisconsin motorists may ensure personal safety on roads by stopping at red lights, not driving distracted, abiding by the speed limit and following other traffic laws. However, they cannot prevent other drivers from committing traffic violations which may lead to personal injury. Recently, a 52-year-old man died in a car accident that appears to have been the result of another man’s apparent reckless driving.
According to criminal reports, a 22-year-old was driving a red SUV at a speed between 69 and 84 mph when his vehicle struck the older man’s van. Authorities obtained evidence of his speed from the computer data of his red SUV. Nearby witnesses also reported seeing a speeding SUV of the same color just prior to the accident.
Authorities do not believe vehicle speed was the only factor in the accident. Officers report that the apparently at-fault driver smelled of marijuana during their initial investigation. His blood was evaluated for evidence of drugs, and the results are pending. Prior to the crash, the man was serving a one-year probation with regard to a conviction for obstructing an officer and misdemeanor marijuana possession.
The surviving family members of the deceased victim are likely dealing with funeral costs and the loss of any income he may have contributed. Families who have lost a loved one in a car accident may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney in Wisconsin about their rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. If the driver from this accident is found guilty of any criminal charges, it may help establish negligence in civil court. While compensation will not replace a loved one, it can help with the financial stress that often follows a tragedy.
Source: jsonline.com, “Milwaukee man accused of driving while high in fatal crash“, Ashely Luthern, Jan. 10, 2017
