Even a slight error while driving can have significant consequences. This means that it is necessary for all drivers to take action to ensure that they do nothing that could result in harm to another, especially including declining to drive while under the influence. Unfortunately, a recent car accident in Florida reportedly shows what can happen if a driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The accident happened during the early morning hours of a day in early May. Police say that they received calls about a southbound driver in the northbound lanes of traffic. Though police say they attempted to stop the driver, the vehicle allegedly collided head-on with a northbound vehicle before they were able to do so.
Unfortunately, the front seat passenger in the northbound vehicle died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision. The driver and a child in the backseat were also injured. The alleged wrong-way driver, a 27-year-old woman, was transported to the hospital by helicopter for treatment. Reports indicate that alcohol was discovered in her vehicle, and her blood alcohol content was over .20 at the time of the collision. A child in the southbound vehicle was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The woman faces multiple felony charges as a result of the car accident, including vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious injury and child neglect. Unfortunately, a family is now left to cope with the unexpected, preventable death of their loved one, allegedly as a result of someone’s decision to drive while intoxicated. While it will likely do little to reduce the family’s grief, they may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person deemed responsible; if successfully presented, they could receive a financial award that will ensure they are able to meet their financial responsibilities following their loss.