On behalf of Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C. posted in Drunk Driving Accidents on Friday, November 7, 2014.
A 42-year-old man who was accused of causing a fatal car accident while under the influence of alcohol was reportedly arraigned in a Pennsylvania court on Oct. 26. The accident occurred back in May, and the man was taken into custody in September by North Carolina authorities.
On May 28, the accused driver reportedly failed to brake when traffic in the westbound lanes of Route 22 slowed. He rear-ended another vehicle driven by a 34-year-old Allentown resident. That vehicle then collided with the semi-truck in front of it. The driver of the semi-truck, a 62-year-old man, reportedly told the authorities that he heard the first collision take place after hitting his brakes and felt an impact shortly after that.
The Allentown resident died from his injuries at the scene. Authorities reportedly tested the accused driver's blood-alcohol content approximately one hour after the crash took place. The results showed that he had a BAC of .22 percent, well over Pennsylvania's legal limit. The man was ultimately charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and several traffic violations.
If someone becomes involved in an accident with a drunk driver and succumbs to their injuries, the family members of the deceased person can potentially hold the drunk driver responsible through a wrongful death suit. A wrongful death claim can be filed. A lawyer may be able to help prove that the drunk driver was responsible for the crash, making it possible for the family to receive compensation for funeral expenses, lost income and lost companionship.