When a car accident with suspected alcohol involvement results in serious injuries, there can be serious legal repercussions. This is especially true if the injuries lead to a fatality. Drunk driving charges can result in loss of license, prison and social stigma. For that reason, it is important that those accused are aware of their options.
New York readers may be interested in a July 2012 accident in another state that has resulted in multiple charges against a 56-year-old man who is accused of causing the accident while under the influence. Allegedly, the man was driving the wrong way on a highway when he crashed into another car, seriously injuring its two occupants, a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman. The woman was released from the hospital after being treated for internal injuries; the man is in a coma in very serious condition.
On Oct. 5, a hearing on the case was postponed while the ‘county’s district attorney waited for an update on the male victim’s condition. Reportedly, doctors are concerned he may not survive his injuries. If that occurs, the district attorney may charge the man with vehicular homicide. He is already charged with vehicular assault and vehicular assault while driving under the influence.
No one means to be part of a serious accident, but sometimes they happen. However, if alcohol is involved, criminal charges relating to a drunk driving offense can have serious repercussions on the accused’s life, whether social, legal or financial. That’s why it’s important for anyone charged with drunk driving be fully informed of their legal rights and alternatives under the law.
Source: DenverPost.com, ” Boulder DA: Vehicular homicide charges likely in wrong-way DUI crash if comatose victim dies,” Mitchell Byars, Oct. 5, 2012
