Drunk drivers can cause accidents that change the lives of other people. By making the decision to get behind the wheel of a car, these intoxicated drivers can cause accidents that could have been prevented. For one family, a Florida man’s decision to drive drunk ultimately cost them the life of a family member.
The driver, who faces a DUI manslaughter charge and three DUI property damage charges, was involved in two car crashes. The first crash occurred when he rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The second crash, which killed a 63-year-old woman, occurred about a mile from the first crash when the man crossed into the oncoming lane. Multiple vehicles were involved in the accident, and the driver of one of those received minor injuries.
The alleged drunk driver was arrested at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Prior to arresting him, officers found several open beer cans in his truck. The man, who refused a breath test and a field sobriety test, displayed a circular sway, had an odor of alcoholic beverage and had bloodshot eyes, according to the arrest report. He was taken to the Orange County jail and was later released.
While this man still has to answer to the criminal court for his part in these accidents, the people he crashed into may have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. The family of the woman who was killed may also have the right to seek compensation for the expenses associated with her demise. Claims for lost wages, medical bills and other expenses may help ease the financial burden associated with the accidents.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Driver charged with DUI manslaughter after causing 2 crashes, 1 fatal, troopers say” Susan Jacobson and Tiffany Walden, Jan. 25, 2014