Father’s Day should be a day to gather the family and celebrate Dad. For one family, the holiday will never be the same again after recent events. A fatal crash happened early on June 17 on I-15. A Jeep was traveling south near Friars Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle slammed into the concrete wall dividing the lanes. The driver then left the Jeep in the road and hid in the nearby brush. Unfortunately, his negligent actions caused several cars to crash into his abandoned car and one of the other drivers was killed.
Driver Died in the Crash
One of the other cars was driven by a man who was a husband and father of two, and he lost his life as a result of the accident. The driver of the original vehicle allegedly witnessed the other accidents but made no attempt to assist or even call police. The entire situation could have been avoided had the first driver never gotten behind the wheel in the first place.
Driver was DUI
As it turns out, the driver who caused the accident was driving while intoxicated. He was tested more than several hours after the incident, reportedly. The test result was a .199% Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. The legal limit in California is 0.08% BAC. According to reports, the man had been drinking for hours before the accident happened. The driver was arrested and is facing manslaughter, DUI, and hit-and-run charges. The man was previously convicted of DUI on two occasions in the last 10 years. If he is convicted, he could face up to 15 years behind bars.
Serious and Fatal Accidents
The driver in this case was severely impaired and should not have been on the road. He tried to hide from police in order to protect himself from arrest. In the process, he caused several accidents which resulted in a death. When a serious accident occurs, the negligent party should be held responsible. In this instance, the driver of the Jeep was likely negligent because of his actions. The family of the man who died in the crash is left without a husband and a father.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
In cases such as this one, the family may consider taking legal action against the driver who caused the accident. The family could be entitled to compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship, among other things. In these types of cases, the insurance company may want to settle the case quickly. This can be ill-advised until the loved ones speak with a qualified personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer will review all aspects of the case and help bring a fair resolution. Many cases such as this one could result in a settlement. However, if a settlement is not possible, the case could proceed to court.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in an accident, contact the legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to discuss your case today.
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