Losing a loved one due to the acts of an impaired driver can certainly take its toll on a family. An accident caused by a drunk driver is a senseless event that could easily have been prevented had different decisions been made. Unfortunately, these accidents seem to be a common occurrence and far too many innocent lives have been lost. Recently, a Connecticut man was sentenced to prison for his role in a fatal crash that occurred due to his decision to drink and drive.
The accident happened back in 2012, when the victims, who were driving southbound on Route 8, were hit head-on by a man driving northbound in southbound lanes. The victims, a 24-year-old male and his passenger, a female now in her 20s, had to be freed from their vehicle. Both were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The young driver died of his injuries and his passenger suffered serious brain injuries, which has left her unable to work.
This horrific incident has left a family without their son and brother, and another woman with devastating injuries. The driver responsible for this crash pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also convicted of DUI and assault with a vehicle. Along with a 10-year prison sentence, he will be required to perform community service and attend classes. This is the first conviction on his record.
Car accidents, caused by a drunk driver and that result in loss of life and/or severe injury, leave victims and their family looking for answers and seeking justice. In this case, along with the criminal conviction, the family of the deceased and the surviving victim may choose to pursue civil actions against the driver responsible for the crash. A Connecticut civil court could grant monetary restitution to help recoup any past, current and future expenses that result from this tragic incident.
Source: mycitizensnews.com, “Man receives 10 years for fatal crash“, Jonathan Shugarts, March 29, 2014
