Even though drunk driving is illegal and dangerous, many people still engage in it. Unfortunately, it can often lead to serious consequences. A Seattle car-pedestrian accident that happened on March 25 has led to two deaths, with two others suffering from severe injuries. The fatal car accident was caused by a man who was apparently driving while impaired.
The accident occurred in the Wedgwood neighborhood. A 50-year-old man was arrested in connection with the accident and faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving with a blood alcohol content of .22, almost three times the legal limit. Authorities are still waiting for the results of a toxicology test.
This was not the man’s first DUI-related arrest, as he already had two DUIs on his record. Both occurred recently, with one in October and the other around Christmas. The second DUI resulted in property damage to a hotel when the man rammed his truck into a brick wall twice. Tests showed that the man’s BAC at that time was .32, four times the legal limit.
It’s a tragic situation when drunk driving claims the lives of multiple innocent people, especially when the alleged offender has a criminal history of drinking and driving. With this man’s extremely high BAC and reckless driving, he may face many years in prison, as well as hefty fines, for his actions. In addition to any criminal penalties he may receive, though, the victims and their families have the legal right to file wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits against him. They may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and emotional damages stemming from such a devastating incident.
Source: King5.com, “Bail for suspect in deadly Seattle crash set at $2.5 million,” March 26, 2013