A 38-year-old Wisconsin man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly caused a crash that caused death and injury on New Year’s Day. A criminal complaint alleges that the accident followed a day of drinking at a tavern. Reportedly, the man arrived at the bar at approximately 10:30 a.m. and prepared to leave shortly before 6:30 p.m. after almost eight hours of consuming alcohol.
According to other patrons at the tavern, several people tried to stop the man from getting into his car, because, according to them, he was not sober enough to drive. Some suggested he call for a ride, and one man apparently even offered to pay for an Uber driver to take him home. However, they say he insisted that he was not going far, and would drive himself.
Sadly, this was a wrong decision, because within 10 minutes he had smashed head-on into another car. Authorities say that vehicle was occupied by a 53-year-old grandmother who had her 7-year-old grandchild in the rear seat. The deputy who responded to the scene says the driver was killed in the crash, and, although her grandson was injured, he remained conscious.
Such sadness is devastating at any time, but particularly during the holidays. Although money would not ease the pain, the surviving family members may pursue recovery of damages to address the unanticipated financial consequences. Whenever injuries are suffered, or lives are lost, due to an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, a Wisconsin personal injury attorney can assist. A lawyer can help navigate wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits that could result in the recovery of financial and emotional damages.
Source: kenoshanews.com, “Man warned he was too drunk to drive just before fatal crash“, Deneen Smith, Jan. 3, 2018