It’s no secret that drinking and driving can be a catastrophic combination. Connecticut drivers are constantly reminded of the dangers of drunk driving through billboards, advocacy groups and the law. Though there are laws in place to thwart drunk driving, many drivers continue to take the risk of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks. Tragically, this decision can result in serious injury or a fatal accident.
On the evening of Sept. 14, 2017, a 54-year-old man crossed over center lanes in Farmington. As the motor vehicle crossed lanes, it hit another car carrying four passengers head on. The four were taken to a local hospital where the driver was soon released after minor injuries. However, the front passenger was critically injured, and unfortunately, the two backseat passengers later succumbed to their injuries.
After an investigation, police determined the 54-year-old driver was impaired by alcohol. Early in 2018, the driver was charged with two counts of manslaughter, two counts of assault and reckless endangerment. He is currently behind bars with bail set at just over $250,000 as he waits to appear in court. In total, five lives were drastically changed in an instant by one poor decision that fall night.
Regardless of the law or warnings against drunk driving, drivers will continue to make impaired decisions under the influence of a substance. Suffering from an injury or experiencing an unexpected death of a loved one can lead to sudden financial strain on a family. Those in Connecticut who have suffered injury or lost a loved one in a fatal accident have the right to enlist an attorney to file a civil suit. Though the pain of losing a loved one doesn’t fade away, the monetary relief from a successful litigated claim after an accident can ease the burden of a funeral or medical bills.
Source: courant.com, “Farmington Police: Drunken Driver Caused 2017 Double-Fatal Crash“, Christine Dempsey, Feb. 12, 2018
