Although it may seem like a good idea to a person at the time, drinking and driving is never a good idea. Even after the first drink, impairment can be evident. The more a person drinks, the less likely he or she is to keep track of how much has been consumed. Many a fatal car accident in Colorado could have been avoided if the driver had simply avoided driving while intoxicated.
According to local authorities, a man — 54 years old — was speeding on Denver roadway when suddenly his vehicle crossed over several traffic lanes. The vehicle ended up in the northbound lane and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. Two teenagers were in the vehicle that was struck, and the 17-year-old passenger at the scene. The driver, an 18-year-old woman, was rushed to a hospital.
The driver thought responsible for the collision was also taken to the hospital for his injuries but was arrested after he was released. Police say the man fell down as soon as he exited his vehicle after the accident. They also say he admitted that he had been drinking and was given a Breathalyzer test. His test results showed that he his blood alcohol content was .224 percent, which was close to three times over the legal limit of .08.
The Colorado driver faces charges of vehicular assault and homicide, drinking and driving and driving recklessly. The seriously injured teen has the legal right to pursue a personal injury claim against the accused man, seeking a monetary judgment for the damages she has sustained as a result of the fatal car accident. In a separate lawsuit, the grieving family of the deceased teen may file a wrongful death claim against the driver and any separate owners of the vehicle he was operating, if any, in a civil courtroom. Nothing can be done to bring back the life of the young woman, but the victim’s family may find some sense justice in seeking to hold the man financially accountable under the law.
Source: 9news.com, “Deadly crash suspect’s BAC nearly 3 times legal limit”, Raquel Villanueva, Oct. 2, 2014
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