Many lives are lost on Texas roads in vehicles accidents caused by drunk drivers. In many drunk driving crashes, the intoxicated drivers walk away unscathed while the occupants of the other vehicles suffer serious injuries or death. A fatal car accident recently claimed the life of one driver and left another driver facing criminal charges.
The Houston Police Department reported that a westbound SUV whose driver was speeding struck another SUV that was also heading west. The second vehicle overturned on impact, and the driver was ejected and killed. A witness reportedly told police that the speeding driver stopped and went to check on the ejected driver before fleeing the crash scene.
A police officer soon identified the SUV with severe front-end damage, and the driver was arrested after drunk driving tests indicated that he was intoxicated. He was detained, and he is now facing charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and fleeing an accident scene without rendering aid. HPD said there were no other occupants in the two vehicles that were involved in this crash.
Losing a loved one so unexpectedly is naturally a devastating experience for the surviving family members who will have to deal with the realities of end-of-life arrangements amidst their grief. Claims for financial relief may be pursued by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in a Texas civil court. The court will require proof of negligence on the part of the driver deemed responsible for the fatal car accident. Once liability is established, documented financial losses will be considered.
Source: Houston Chronicle, “DUI charges filed in fatal accident on I-10“, Maggie Gordon, Feb. 13, 2016
