As large SUVs become more popular in Connecticut and in the rest of the country, the potential danger increases for accident victims. Because these vehicles are so large, it is sometimes nearly impossible for people who have been hit by drunken SUV drivers to survive. Fortunately, people who cause disastrous drunk driving accidents are often held responsible for their actions.
In November a Connecticut SUV driver who had been under the influence of alcohol crashed into another vehicle at a red traffic light. The car carried a Connecticut couple along with three children. Although one child’s life was spared, a couple lost their 5-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. The child who survived, however, suffered serious injuries. The driver of the SUV, who lived near the scene of the accident, did not stop after he hit the family’s vehicle.
At the time of the accident, the man’s blood alcohol content was about .24, or about three times the legal limit of .08. It is unknown whether the man has been convicted of any DUI offenses in the past. Nevertheless, he was found guilty of drunken driving and leaving the scene of the accident, and he will serve 12 years in prison for causing this devastating accident. Even after he is released from prison, it may be some time before the state restores his right to drive.
Following the loss of a loved one, the victim’s family members face a tremendous heartache in addition to unplanned expenses. Fortunately, an attorney can help victims and their family members who need compensation to cover medical expenses and other costs associated with an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Source: CT Now, “Driver Sentenced To 12 Years In Crash That Killed Two Children,” Hilda Muñoz, April 22, 2014
